Handré Pollard admits the Springboks’ defensive lapses will be a major focus ahead of next week’s clash against Wales in Durban.
The veteran flyhalf, who later moved to inside centre, produced a flawless display from the kicking tee in the Boks’ 42-28 win over Scotland to earn the Man of the Match award, converting five of South Africa’s six tries.
Replacement Quan Horn added the extras to the final score as the Springboks made it two wins from two in the Nations Championship.
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While pleased with the result, Pollard was quick to praise the visitors for pushing the world champions all the way.
“All credit to Scotland, they’re a very good side,” he said. “They were very good at the set-piece and they had us under the pump for big periods of this game, but I think we showed a lot of character in that third quarter.
“We let them back in, which is very disappointing, but we got through it.”
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Despite scoring six tries, the Springboks were repeatedly exposed on defence as Scotland stayed within touching distance for much of the contest before the hosts eventually pulled away.
Pollard admitted that aspect of their performance will come under the microscope during the week.
“Defensively we were very disappointing in periods, so it’s a big work-on for us, but we’re still happy with the result.”
The victory was made more impressive by the number of changes Erasmus made to his starting XV, with the Bok coach rotating heavily after last week’s win over England.
Pollard said the performance underlined the depth that has become one of the Springboks’ greatest strengths.
“Definitely, but that’s just this team,” he said when asked whether the changes affected cohesion. “We just slot in, we try new combinations, build squad depth and that’s just what we do.
“It was a great experience for a lot of guys who haven’t played a lot of Test matches. To play in this atmosphere at Loftus is pretty incredible.”
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Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
The post Handré hails Bok character after Scotland scare appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Handré Pollard admits the Springboks’ defensive lapses will be a major focus ahead of next week’s clash against Wales in Durban.
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