Handre Pollard in line for his 50th test cap

Handre Pollard in line for his 50th test cap

The opening test between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions could be a particularly special occasion for Handre Pollard.

The 27-year-old pivot is set to earn his 50th Test cap in Cape Town, his home province. Hailing from Somerset West, Pollard attended the renowned Paarl Gym before rocketing to stardom with the South African u20s and Bulls.

Having made his return to the field after Covid-19 isolation, Pollard says he is feeling 100 percent again. “Personally, I’m pretty good. I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t have symptoms or anything. So, it was just about getting through those 10 days by waiting. Physically it was good, and got through the return-to-play (protocols) pretty quickly, so personally for me, no low points and I’m ready to go,” Pollard said during an online press conference on Monday.

“This morning when you walked into the team room, you could feel that there was a different vibe and a little tension in the room, which is always good.

“We know that there is a big challenge that lies ahead in the next three weeks. So, as a group, having everybody back together again… everybody is enjoying it again.


“But it’s time to go now – all the talk and everything is finished now. It’s time to get stuck in to these three Test matches.”



Dan Biggar is likely to start in the opening test opposite Pollard.

“In terms of the analysis, it’s just about picking up small things that a player likes to do, what their tendencies are – but I’m sure they do it on us as well. It’s just about understanding the opposition better,” Pollard said.

 

“Then, going up possibly against Dan, he is a brilliant player and he is really playing well lately, but he has been a great player for very long. We have played against each other numerous times in the past, and it’s always been fun.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a big secret of what’s coming. The two sides play pretty similar games, and it’s going to come down to physicality, set-piece and all the basics.”

                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
 
                 
       
                 
                 
 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
 
              
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
 
        
                 
       
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
 
        
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
         
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
 
      
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
 
 

In this Article

Latest News