Springboks throw Handre Pollard in at deep end against All Blacks
Youngster will start at fly-half for crucial clash
South Africa will field fledgling international fly-half Handre Pollard against New Zealand in the only change to their line-up for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash.
Pollard, with only three tests under his belt, has been thrust into the crucial playmaker role ahead of the veteran Morne Steyn who has been omitted from the squad.
“We felt that Handre has the right skill set for how we want to approach this game,” coach Heyneke Meyer said.
We felt Handre has the right skill set for how we want to approach this game
“He played well in the three tests that he started. A couple of months ago, he was named the World Junior Player of the Year after some very impressive performances for the Junior Springboks and I’m sure he can build on that.”
Apart from the absence of the high-scoring Steyn, who has scored more points (31) than any other South African against the All Blacks, the rest of the side is unchanged from that beaten narrowly 24-23 by Australia last week.
“It’s also good for continuity to have an almost unchanged side. We know where we made mistakes last weekend and the players now have an opportunity to rectify those against the toughest opponent in world rugby,” Meyer said
Pollard will line up inside Springbok captain Jean de Villiers who will on Saturday become the fifth South African to play 100 Tests.
“When the big names in South African rugby are mentioned, Jean will forever be among them,” Meyer said.