Initially not selected for the World Cup, the South African fly-half signed a gradual return with the Springboks until becoming the hero of the final against New Zealand on Saturday.
For Handré Pollard, this Saturday October 28 should have been an ordinary day. After a match at the start of the afternoon with his club Leicester in Bath, the South African fly-half would have calmly attended the World Cup final, without any other pressure than that of choosing the pizzas to enjoy in front of the fight the titans. The opener, not selected for the competition because of that damn calf that has been in pain for a year, would certainly have seemed irritated at the idea of not influencing the evening from his sofa.
Fortunately for his nerves, his destiny decided otherwise. Up to making Pollard, recalled at short notice during the competition, the hero of the final won against New Zealand (12-11) by scoring all the points. The conclusion of a dream final phase, during which his right foot never shook.
This resurrection with an outcome so perfect that it has all the makings of a caricature biopic begins on September 17. Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, the duo of mad scientists at the head of the Springboks, must find a replacement for hooker Malcolm Marx, injured against Scotland (18-3). Rather than finding another specialist for this strategic position, the tandem calls on the returning Pollard.
Increasing playing time throughout the World Cup
The bet is doubly risky. Not only did South Africa finish the competition with Bongi Mbonambi as their only professional hooker, but they also relied on a player short of pace, with only twenty minutes played in September in the English championship as their only recent reference. “He is a high quality player, but he has not played for the Boks since August 2022”, warned Jacques Nienaber. But even in poor physical condition, Handré Pollard has the immense advantage of scoring well. The excitement of the other opener Manie Libbok, glimpsed against Scotland then detrimental against Ireland (8-13), is on everyone’s mind.
The distribution between the two 10s is then clear: the refreshing Libbok, fond of space, starts and the rogue Pollard finishes. Against France in the quarterfinals (29-28), the opener passed through Montpellier scored five points, including the decisive penalty from more than 50 meters away. South Africa then found the missing link in its organization, capable of improving the domination of its forwards. Facing England in the half (16-15), he was even tasked in the 31st minute in his favorite register, in pouring rain and with the certainty that the decision would be made by foot.
His time comes in the 78th, on a long distance penalty. Handré Pollard performs in relaxation, impervious to the slightest distraction or the whistles of the Stade de France. “He has incredible courage, he handles pressure perfectly”, greeted his teammate Steven Kitshoff. Even particularly cruel for his competitor Manie Libbok, his start in a final played in the rain surprised no one.
Pollard king of thrillers
So Handré Pollard grabbed the gift and unwrapped it in front of cameras around the world. As he had already done four years ago in Tokyo in the final against England, with 22 points assured. Under maximum pressure, he acted as if it were training and converted his four goal attempts without batting an eyelid, including one from 50 meters (19th). The apostles of a sparkling game will regret its excessive sobriety, but such outbursts were not permitted in the midst of the “physicality” of the Springboks.
Perfect offensively, very sufficient defensively (8 successful tackles out of 17) and marked by the fight to the point of ending up with a bleeding cheekbone, Handré Pollard focused on the poles, where he was expected and where the essential in such a close match. Where, probably, the difference was made, since New Zealand lost five points, by Richie Mo’unga (conversion in the 59th) then Jordie Barrett (penalty in the 73rd). The All Blacks may also regret having gone into touch several times on affordable penalties. With a scorer of the caliber of Handré Pollard, their strategic choice would undoubtedly have been different.