Rugby Championship news: Game management key as Handre Pollard carries Springboks to much-needed win
After a 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park in round one of the Rugby Championship, the Springboks bounced back to claim a 30-22 win at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Fly-half Handre Pollard was the key catalyst in the Boks’ return to winning ways, cementing his status as Rassie Erasmus’s first-choice pivot.
His kicking game, control, and game management, along with his consistent ability to bring calmness to the backline, were vital to the Boks’ round two success, earning him the Man of the Match award.
Sports News Blitz’s Aidan Leo assesses the reaction to the round two encounter.
Pollard on the result
The Springbok fly-half spoke about the team’s challenges leading up to the second Test, and the resilience they showed to restore confidence with a much-needed victory.
“It was a tough week for us and rightfully so,” Pollard told SA Rugby.
“We were disappointed with the result last week, so it was challenging to balance the emotions and tactics for the game. But we learned a lot from the last game, and we hit the sweet spot toward the end of the week.
“We may have a lot of senior guys in the squad, but several younger players are stepping up as well, and we take lessons from everyone, and that’s what got us over the line this week.”
Man of the Match performance
Reflecting on his game-driving Man of the Match performance, Pollard said: “It was all about the team. The win was the only thing we needed, and a lot of guys played very well, so although I got the award, it was mainly about getting the result.”
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Playing Test matches ‘a privilege’
“For me, it was never about trophies, medals, or awards.
“It’s about playing for South Africa, and if you play one Test it’s a privilege, or for a few years as I have, it remains unbelievable. The older one gets, you appreciate it even more because the end is getting closer.
“This is such an unbelievable group of men, coaches, and management, you want to be part of it as long as you can, and to do that, you must work hard and play well.
“We want to win, keep South Africa right up there and make the country proud.”
Rugby Championship standings
After two rounds, the All Blacks lead the Rugby Championship with six points, followed by the Wallabies with five.
The Springboks and Los Pumas hold third and fourth place respectively, with four points each.
Clash of the titans
The Springboks head to Auckland for the year’s most highly-anticipated clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday, September 6.
