Springboks bank on Pollard power … but it’s a long shot

By now, no-one should be surprised that Handre Pollard will start as the Springboks’ flyhalf against France in Paris on Saturday.

That was on the cards ever since he fronted to the media on Tuesday.

The real talking point about his selection on Thursday is how the 23-year-old keeps on being burdened with somehow pulling a rabbit out of the hat.

Heyneke Meyer did it to him in the 2015 World Cup and Nollis Marais similarly invested great hope in him earlier this year by even making him Bulls captain in the early rounds of Super Rugby.

Yet what his coaches don’t seem to realise is that we still don’t actually know who Pollard is as a top-class flyhalf.

We know he’s got a strong boot, he attacks the advantage line and he talks in a manner that suggests he would be a calm leader.

But we’ve only seen those things in glimpses.

For the past two years, Pollard’s been injured far too often to show his true mettle.

Elton Jantjies’ loss of form means change was probably inevitable yet it would be naive to think his replacement will make a massive impact immediately.

In fact, given how precious little rugby Pollard has played in the recent past, his promotion seems to be a gamble more than anything else.

And yet, he seems to take it in his stride.

“Handré has trained exceptionally hard the past few months and he is looking forward to the opportunity to once more start in the Springbok jersey,” said Coetzee.

“Elton has started in all 10 Tests so far this season and has made good contributions and I am pleased with his development. However, both flyhalves need playing time to continuously work on their game management in different conditions.”

However, the suspicion persists that Pollard is still far too willing to bite of more than he can chew.

Only time will tell.

At least the immediate re-introduction of the experienced Duane Vermeulen provides far more balance to the loose trio and the selection of Cheetahs skipper Francois Venter should bring better organisation to the midfield.

But don’t expect miracles.

Springboks: Andries Coetzee, Dillyn Leyds, Jesse Kriel, Francois Venter, Courtnall Skosan, Handre Pollard, Ross Cronje, Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Beast Mtawarira. Bench: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Dan du Preez, Rudy Paige, Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende.

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