Handre Pollard celebrates with Ox Nche after the Springboks' win against France. Picture: RvS.Media/Sylvie Failletaz/Getty Images
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard says the team embraces the pressure and expectations that come with South Africa’s pedigree at the Rugby World Cup.
The holders of the Webb Ellis Cup are preparing to take part in their sixth World Cup semi-final when they play England at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.
In their previous five appearances in the semi-finals, the Boks have won three and lost two. On the three occasions they won their semi-final matches (1995, 2007and 2019) they went on to win the World Cup.
That record speaks volumes about the calibre of the Springboks at the global spectacle; they know how to play World Cup matches as was evident in their 29-28 quarter-final win against hosts France last Sunday, a match where their experience got them through after 80 thrilling minutes.
Pollard, who has played a vital part in the success of the current Springboks squad, says the team can handle the pressure of the World Cup because of South Africa’s history and rugby philosophy, which is ideal for knockout rugby.
“It’s just the way we were brought up, we love it,” said Pollard.
“It has not always been easy for some guys in our squad growing up, so when we get to this position, this point where there should be a lot of pressure on us, we refer back to it a lot. This is not really pressure, this is more privilege to be a part of these occasions.
“I think our game model and the way we play the game suits World Cups pretty well. We are comfortable in this environment because we have been under pressure off the field, growing up, and we all know the stories that have come from the previous World Cup.
“We just enjoy it, we enjoy the pressure. It’s a privilege to have this pressure on our shoulders, playing for our country,” he said.
The weekend game will see the Springboks reignite their rivalry with England. The two nations met in the 2019 World Cup final in Japan where the Bok thumped England 32-12, with Pollard kicking 22 points.
The mercurial flyhalf is expecting England to be out to avenge that result from the Yokohama Stadium four years ago.
“You could see the disappointment on their faces four years ago,” said Pollard.
“I think they will be ruthless, I think they will take the intensity and physicality to a whole new level. But that being said, we are ready for that, we are prepared for that and we enjoy that.
“If there is going to be beef, there is going to be beef. It’s Test rugby, it’s 80 minutes, and we have just got to play the game,” Pollard said.
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