This is not the match where his talent was most needed. But even if it meant having his appeal during the World Cup at his feet, Handre Pollard at least had the professional conscience to do things well. 4/4 in his attempts on goal, four conversions for eight points and a flawless foot during South Africa’s victory (49-18) over Tonga on Sunday evening in Marseille. A success with bonus for almost, barring an improbable scenario in the confrontation between Ireland and Scotland on Saturday, sending the Springboks to the quarter-final. And allow the opener to see a rugby field again.
Because the 29-year-old, injured in the calf at the beginning of May with his club Leicester, has only played half an hour in an England Cup match in mid-September. But after the withdrawal of hooker Malcolm Marx, South African coach Jacques Nienaber decided to call up the number ten who scored 22 points in the World Cup final four years ago. As if we decided to replace sauerkraut with tiramisu in a menu because the guests are terribly lacking in sugar.
In France, its partners need a reliable foothold. Because before the match against the Tongans, South Africa had a success rate against the poles of only 47.8%, including this infamous 1/5 against Ireland on September 23 at the Stade de France. So even completely short of pace, Pollard had to put his foot in place of the titular opener since the start of the World Cup, Manie Libbok.
“He will continue to improve”
What the ex-Montpellier player did with his four transformations, including three in the corner. But by being neutral, not to say without any relief, in the game: three meters covered with ball in hand and seven tackles in 51 minutes before heading to catch his breath on the bench.
“The important point is that he was able to play,” says his coach. He had only played 30 minutes, in a competition a little below the international level. There he made 50 against a good Tonga team. I think he will continue to improve. He had a solid match. He was good on the runs with the ball, defensively he was also present. On the feet, he was good. On the fundamentals, he really ticked all the boxes. »
“I felt good, it was pleasant, even if it was a very physical match,” says Handre Pollard simply. Doing 100% is always nice. Manie was good in this register when he came in too. »
Because Libbok, quite clumsy in this exercise since the start of the competition, transcended himself with a 3/3 after coming into play, including two first eccentric attempts. “It’s something I’ve been working hard on all week,” he admits. I’m glad it went well today (Sunday). »
The following ? Barring an improbable score in the match between Ireland and Scotland on October 7, South Africa has qualified for the quarter-finals, where they will probably face France on the 15th. That’s two more weeks to leave Pollard , who admits to having “only kicked the first week” with the Springboks, continues to recover. In the company of a Libbok stung by this new competition. And that’s frankly not good news for the Blues.
