Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has thrown his support behind Handré Pollard, insisting the experienced flyhalf remains one of South Africa’s most trusted performers.
This despite questions surrounding his recent form in the Vodacom URC playoffs for the Bulls.
Pollard was included among the three specialist flyhalves selected for next month’s Nations Championship Tests, alongside Manie Libbok and rising prospect Vusi Moyo.
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The Bulls playmaker will be back in the Springbok camp after helping his side reach the URC final, but some observers have questioned whether he produced his best rugby during the closing stages of the competition.
Erasmus, however, is not concerned.
“Handré didn’t exactly set the world alight for the Bulls, but he has never let us down,” said the Bok coach after Saturday’s 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
“A lot of people are talking, but we know what Handré can do.”
The Springbok boss cautioned against judging players without understanding the circumstances within their franchise environments.
“It’s difficult to point fingers at someone while he’s playing for his franchise and you haven’t worked with him for a while.
“You don’t have a full view of the environment.”
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Erasmus believes there is no reason to suggest Pollard’s quality has suddenly disappeared.
“Why would he suddenly become a poor player? Is there an injury? No, there isn’t, so perhaps he’s just had a week or two where he wasn’t exceptional.”
While Pollard remains firmly in the Springbok plans, Erasmus is also casting a wider net at flyhalf.
He used Saturday’s clash against the Barbarians to give Quan Horn an opportunity in the No 10 jersey, while Vusi Moyo made an encouraging impact off the bench.
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The experimentation comes with regular contender Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu currently sidelined, although he is expected to return to fitness in time for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand in August and September.
Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The post Rassie shuts down Polly’s doubters appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Rassie Erasmus has thrown his support behind Handré Pollard, insisting the experienced flyhalf remains one of South Africa’s most trusted performers.
The post Rassie shuts down Polly’s doubters appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
