Handre Pollard understands ‘responsibility’ to Springboks fans as he reflects on ‘winning’ mentality within squad
Handre Pollard understands 'responsibility' to Springboks fans as he reflects on 'winning' mentality within squad
Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard has reflected on his side’s recent victory over the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship, crediting his teammates for coming together and getting the job done.
The 31-year-old spoke to reporters after the Springboks’ 30-22 victory, saying: “It’s great to contribute to the team, and the only thing I care about is winning.”
The relief was clear on the face of the talented playmaker as he continued: “Honestly, that’s the only thing we needed today. A lot of guys played very well today. It was just about getting going.”
The team has faced plenty of criticism over the past week. Having conceded 38 unanswered points to the Wallabies in their previous fixture, head coach Rassie Erasmus was forced to make sweeping changes to the squad ahead of their second round match.
Looking back at the week prior to their revenge win, Pollard said: “It was a tough week, to be honest, rightfully so. We were disappointed in the result, so we started balancing the emotion and the tactics for the game coming up.
“Towards the end of the week, we hit the sweet spot. We put it behind us. We took a lot of learnings out of that game as a group.
“There are a lot of young guys stepping up with a big voice, a lot of leadership and knowledge as well. So we take everything from everyone, but it was an important one to get over the line this week.”
While the players were focusing on improving themselves in camp, there was plenty of noise coming from all around, as the Springboks supporters expressed their disappointment at their beloved side’s performance.
Pollard was not oblivious to this; in fact, he expressed understanding, surrounding the fans’ frustrations.
“The people care about the Springboks, and I think that’s the most important thing you always have to remember. They can be disappointed when we lose, because they care so much, and they can be very excited and happy when we win. And we understand the responsibility that we have on our shoulders. We try to get on the winning side more often than not.
“When the people react like that, we don’t see it as negative, or we don’t get angry. It’s part of life. Everybody’s entitled to their opinions, and we just get onto the next job and try and get back.”
The high ball battle
The aerial battle was an important one in the Springboks’ victory. The diminutive size of Cheslin Kolbe was tested as the Wallabies looked to exploit that area. Pollard, and incidentally Eddie Jones, was left in awe by the athleticism and bravery of the wide men.
“That was a great battle within the game; both teams were very, very good. Our boys got in there as much as they possibly could,” he said.
“The thing is, you’re not always going to win it back, and Australia were very good on that transition, coming down and keeping it alive, and they got some electric wings, which you could see tonight.
“So it was a great battle within the battle. It was a combination of tactics and conditions which forced us, maybe, into it a little bit more tonight. We knew what we had to do, but listen, it’s a great battle.
“It’s an area in rugby that’s getting much more competitive with all the new laws. So it’s pretty tough on a guy receiving a high ball. Our wings are unbelievable, getting in there, they’re so brave. We’ll always keep that as one of our strengths in our game, hopefully.”
The Springboks privilege
As one of the Springboks’ most decorated players, Pollard was asked about the motivation behind playing in the famous green and gold strip.
“It was never about trophies or medals or awards,” he said. “We just want to play for South Africa. That’s the main thing. If you get one Test, it’s a privilege. If you get to play for a few years like I have, it is unbelievable. As you get older, you appreciate it even more, because the end is getting closer.
“This is such an unbelievable group of men and players, coaches, and management staff. It’s something you just want to be a part of as long as you possibly can. And for that to happen, you have to work hard and play well.
“But for us, we want to win, and we want to keep South Africa right up there, and that’s the main thing. The trophies and the medals are nice, but for us, it’s about South African pride and making the Springboks the best team in the world.”
