Handré Pollard: The Missing Piece for the Springboks | Ultimate Highlights

In the high-stakes world of rugby, a single player can sometimes be the lynchpin of a team’s success. Handré Pollard, with his stellar performances both for Leicester Tigers and the Springboks, has proven time and again why he's considered one of the best flyhalves in the world. As we venture deeper into the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the absence of Pollard due to injury has left a gaping hole in South Africa's lineup, one that seems impossible to fill.
This video showcases Pollard's rugby prowess in its full glory, capturing moments that have etched his name in rugby folklore. From astonishing tries and visionary offloads to precise tactical kicks and formidable tackles, we walk you through the many facets of his game that makes him so invaluable. His unmatched goal-kicking ability, which has come to the fore on many a crucial occasion, has been especially missed by the Springboks this season.
With South Africa now relying heavily on the relatively less experienced Manie Libbok, there are concerns around their ability to defend their World Cup title. The significance of a reliable goal-kicker cannot be understated, and Pollard's absence is palpable.
However, there's a silver lining. As rumors swirl about Pollard's possible inclusion from the reserve list, fans are holding onto hope. If he can make even an 80% recovery in time, there’s no denying the strategic depth and experience he'd bring to the squad. He might very well be the missing piece in the puzzle for the Springboks' World Cup defense.
As you immerse yourself in this video, take a moment to appreciate the sheer talent and determination of Handré Pollard. South Africa’s World Cup dream might still be alive, and this video makes a compelling case for why Pollard should be right at the heart of it.
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful rugby content. Let us know in the comments what you think about Pollard’s potential return and how it could change the game for the Springboks.
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[@tasanalytics]

Do you think the Sprinboks can overcome Pollard's injury?

[@rozzmoda_]

Yes😏

[@vdw_12500]

Yes

[@Ranger_ZA]

Yup 🙂

[@lukejkw]

I'd love to see stats on how often a backline player is injured in the pool stages for teams in the RWC. I think there is a very high chance Pollard could come in after the first couple of games. This means he has an extra 2 weeks to get ready for the demands of test rugby. Could be a master stroke...

[@subhuman119]

They can def overcome Pollard's injury, Libbok is more than capable fly-half. But the Springboks don't have someone with the experience that can manage the game like Pollard can, or his ability off the tee. I'm an All Blacks supporter, but I'm hoping for South Africa's sake that Kolisi doesn't get injured again, if he goes down in the warm up games, then that is a bigger loss that Pollard will ever be. He's cleared to play and it's awesome that he'll be playing at the WRC, the best players should be present I just hope that he hasn't come back to soon.

[@hankgoldenshaft]

Pollard is gonna be missed. This guy does all the basics to a very high level and he is experienced. I’m a kiwi and I think we rate him higher than many Saffas do. Honestly, I hope he plays at the RWC, we need to see the best players in the world out there competing

[@jblocker118]

Im English and im gutted the General probably wont feature, he really is absolute class to watch, been a treat having him in the Premiership

[@pedroheymans7026]

Please make an updated version of this if you can? I love the balance of skills, kicking and goalkicking highlighted❤🙏

[@NoelleGovindan]

My favourite player ever❤

[@RUGGARUGBY]

It seems like whenever Pollard gets injured everybody seems to give him a clean slate, forgetting he's been atrocious at times. Pollard has given us great memories, but when he isn't on form, he has shockers and takes away from the team more than he adds value so i dont buy the talk of him being The Blue eyed Savior for our WC. I'm glad we have Libbok, somebody who actually is on form, just needs experience in a Bok 10 shirt and we'll see his true value. Im backing my boys who are picked!

[@theultimatesharpshooter6734]

Pollard is basically getting the Morne Steyn treatment. Yes Morne had a few good years with the Boks but overall he was bang average with the Boks. Same with Pollard has some great moments but most years he is just a basic flyhalf that hardly threatens on attack. Everything Pollard does every other flyhalf can do. Manie for me has it. For years he has had to sit behind Pollard, then he had to sit behind Bosch I geniunly thought he was just going to be another Kurt Coleman. But thankfully Dobbo had the vision and backed him. He ended up driving the Stormers to their first title ever and nearly got a second. Manie will be hot property in 2024.

[@RUGGARUGBY]

@@theultimatesharpshooter6734 exactly, everybody raves when he is playing that he is shit, but when his injured, we all of a sudden need him or we have no chance in winning a game without him. Whereas people want Libbok to do backflips every single game to even be considered as a back up to Pollard. Its bigger than sports at this point, these middle aged men are just infatuated with him. I'm convinced. 😍🤣

[@surfango1]

Agree 100%. Pollard is now back in the mix at RWC but he is untested and short on match play time after a long injury. Manie is talented, on form and unpredictable for the opposition, just what the Boks need to go all the way to the finals. Pollard as back up incase Manie gets injured for sure but not to interfere with the Bok set up as it is now, which is working well.

[@subashsewchuran3709]

Handrè Pollard is a once in a generation player and we are lucky to have him. It is unfortunate that he has not recovered from his injury as he would be our starting flyhalf. I, for one, still hold out hope he can be ready before the deadline for WC2023 squads is reached. If not I am certain Mannie Libbok will not let us down.

[@StevenBenjaminAuthor]

I'll be glass half full and say Libbok might be exactly what the Boks need at this juncture. He's unpredictable (for opposition) & hasn't played intl rugby long enough for opposition to make a lot of plans. He's something of a wildcard, and the Boks may need that something extra this WC. Perhaps ML is just the guy for it

[@tasanalytics]

Look, if the coaches gameplan around his skillset, then I'm confident. But it would be bad if they try to force him into their system. Some players are just not made for that. They should let Libbok play like he did with the Stormers, then a lot of fans will be at ease

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

We’re in deep trouble without him. We only have ONE flyhalf in the squad and his goal kicking is erratic

[@user-fz7yp3xk6w]

Libbok can do the job.Led Stormers 2 years in a row to the URC Final.He is on form.Pollard will be a bonus! Pollard is amazing and will be missed.

[@bradleypenrith]

Jantjies did the same thing with the lions and look at him. Just because you can perform at domestic level doesn't mean you can perform at international level. Against tougher opponents he is going to struggle.

[@johanstrydom7303]

Stormers score tries, boks won't be that expansive so boks need a penalty kicker not try convertor... libbok penalty kick percentage is very low

[@Vander-K]

@@johanstrydom7303 75% isn't very low . Pollard had a 63% success rate before the 2019 semi-final against Wales.

[@Vander-K]

@@bradleypenrith You hope ja.

[@bradleypenrith]

@jdQuincy Exactly I'm a Bulls fan. I know exactly how Libbok handles pressure. Everyone is overeating him.

[@henkstols9326]

People dont realise how different the Boks look with Pollard at 10 especially in tight games.We will need him going into the knock out etages as everyones defensive systems will be very good and we not the AB that can ran in tries from everywhere. Him Faf and Willie just seem to gel really well and you can see we lately lack direction. Manie is not settled at test level and I hope he can hold a game together if we face like a Wales test match where everything is measured in millimetres.

[@marantz1]

I think we've been playing really well with Mannie lately. I'm not worried.

[@RicksPhatPharm-vw2lb]

You mean like in Argentina with Bongi and Orie 🤣... Right keep dreaming

[@bradleypenrith]

​@RicksPhatPharm-vw2lb Both games against Argentina he has poor.

[@tartanrambo]

What a legend!!!

[@carlosl-f2433]

Such a cool head player...watched this 3 times :-) ...then I noticed how Am is so good at so many things off the ball that a vid on him could be gr8 too

[@kpomega6]

Pollies is a class operator some people forget how good he is when he's having a off game or two but well done Mr. TAS for reminding them 👏

[@darrenrodgers6425]

He’s an active flyhalf and lovely when he’s on form.

[@charltonsteenkamp2761]

I'm not crying, you're crying! 😢.

[@kristian762]

Pollard is world class, and anyone who says otherwise is delusional

[@beatrixwoite3623]

He is a wonderful playmaker and kicker Pollie ons gn jou mis by RWC 2023

[@kutendamakwamaya977]

High Performance Handre Pollard, made no mistake in all his 13/13 kicks to the sticks. Maybe bringing him in (except for England) made Ramos Mounga and Barretts shake in their boots, missing kicks they would normally knock over.

[@christopherbezuidenhout3916]

Nah bru personally i am not worried. I have trust in Libbok, yes i do admit he does struggle with his kicks but dame the guy is a expansive rugby player that the boks need. Dont forget he was in 2 finals in a professional rugby league and won 1. So i believe in him, with the right combinations along side him he will have the confidence and attitude to be very impact full. So lets give the guy a chance.

[@tasanalytics]

Hopefully he takes his chance now. And let's also hope the coaching staff helps him and allows him to play attacking rugby, that will give him his best chance to succeed.

[@Bacon56ful]

Very few no.10s as competent at running, passing and kicking game, such good basic skill execution

[@danemyburgh]

His playmaking skill is amazing, but his kicking is needed for the Boks. We have no kicker at the moment, and converting points will be crucial in the RWC.

[@tasanalytics]

Yeah people talk about his low Goal kicking % but if you look at his last 2 years or especially his last season with Leicester, it was +85%, we're definitely missing that. Not just that, the team feels more settled with him at 10, it's the same effect we have with Willie or Siya, technically they might not be the best at their positions, but the teams just works when they're in it. Luckily we have Siya back so that already will make a big difference. Let's hope Libbok finds some form, he seemed to get his kicking boots the 2nd half of last game, hopefully it stays like that.

[@marcmoore4115]

Libbok just need the Magic red juice 😂

[@Alex-ze2ii]

@@marcmoore4115ship that Powerade by the bakkie load to Paris!

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

He is not a playmaker at all. Undoubtedly the least effective of all the Top Tier 10s.

[@marcmoore4115]

@@wouterswanepoel5753 nah I'm joking, it seriously is a massive shame that Pollard is off. I'm a little confused though - if he's almost ready to play, why didn't they just put him in the squad and let him sit out the first match? Unless there's a law against it I guess

[@andrecarstens6340]

Yes, Pollard was crucial to our success, but it's Manie's time now. He's just entered the international frame, and will only get better with each minute he plays. Like any other new job, you're nervous at first, but after a while, you get the hang of it and get in your groove.

[@leejaysomething5674]

Well said

[@bulelanistebisa3890]

I respect your opinion, but I do not agree. The World Cup is not a learning experience environment. We cannot be dropping points especially against top tier teams. We need a solid number 10 who does everything.

[@kurtvalentine4433]

​@bulelanistebisa3890 Who else you gonna pick. Do you see any better options? Honestly tell me who we must pick at 10 for our country if they only two good ones is Mannie and Polard. Polard is injured. Be realistic about this man. The other no 10s trash in SA.

[@linds6609]

Honestly if this is the best highlights real we can find for HP then I'm not to worried.

[@mpilomabaso3088]

Lol.

[@ktm690endurorally]

Such a great player, so sad for him that he didn’t make this World Cup.

[@Dandaniel01884]

Not anymore 😁, El maestro is back !

[@lobsternet1499]

no stress!

[@Vander-K]

What did Pollard,in top form, do in the Heineken semi-final against Leinster? Absolutely bugger-all.Even when Leicester went a man up, Pollard couldn't take advantage of the situation.I'm not criticising Pollard,simply pointing out that the guy doesn't walk on water.The lack of support for Libbok is amazing,seeing that we're gonna be depending on him in the WC.Seems like some people would prefer for us to be knocked out early just so that their negative views on Libbok can be proven correct.

[@24NIEMAND]

Ex English/Welsh rugby players during a podcast "Owen Farrell is the best number 10 in the world". Something in those lines when discussing his red card incident vs Wales...

[@liamferreira8912]

3:30 look Pollard is a great player, but there are a million better ways of moving the ball around and gaining ground than kicking a bomb deep in the opposition’s half. The odds that have to be in your favour for that to succeed are always a massive gamble. There have been many instances where we’ve had overlaps and he decides to boot the ball away, and we lose possession. Yet really enjoy the dynamism he plays with in the UK. Hope to see it benefit the Boks when he’s back!

[@kb8796]

Libbok has ability to see us through in this WC. The problem however is when he get injured and pollard is not cleared to play then we are in big trouble...Willemse is not a flyhalf at all for the past years he has been made a flyhalf by coaching team but he does deliver like libbok and pollard. Willemse of the tee is very poor...actually we have a big crisis at flyhalf hope libbok does get injured and that pollard is ready for playoffs

[@jksinorbit]

The only complete 10 we have, Manie is a great attacking 10 on dry pitches but you need to be more than that.

[@mr.kolskoot8114]

This comment section has aged well... just in time for the final!

[@theultimatesharpshooter6734]

Manie has faired very well for the Springboks so far. I wouldn't say Pollard is the missing piece since we won just over 55% of games with him at 10. For someone so crucial we don't really play that special with him there.

[@tasanalytics]

Manie has gotten better, have to admit. His overall play is fine with me, I'm just worried about the goal kicking. If he can just get it to 75% that's fine. But he seems to be struggling when kicking for the boks. But I'm not giving up on him, he improved his kicking in that 2nd half, so let's hope he just finds form in that area. As for Pollard, it might just be 55% win rate, but the eye test makes it feel like we play better against top teams with him at 10.

[@theultimatesharpshooter6734]

​@@tasanalyticsI agree Pollard probably has Manie beat in goal kicking. But I have to disagree with the eyetest for Pollard. Our attack has looked the best it's been with Manie at 10. He even nails his tactical and cross kicking. I want a fit Pollard like everyone but I think Manie gets really unfairly judged despite having really good games at 10.

[@tasanalytics]

@@theultimatesharpshooter6734 yeah but Pollard was bad for a 2 year stretch after the World Cup, but he really got back to form the last year. His injury could not have happened at a worse time. But that is also exactly as to why Libbok should've been developed earlier than he was. If he was given a fair shot to actually develop before being thrown in the deep sea, fans would've been more at ease. I do agree that he gets unfairly criticized, where if he makes one mistake people will overanalyze it. Hopefully the boks coaching staff can coach to Manie's strength and play more attacking with him. I assume they will do that in the next few weeks.

[@moenierbenjamin9733]

The selectors should of picked him..., lood de Jager to

[@plutoniumnitrate1201]

lood is not in form compared to jean who is a much better lock and in lineouts......lood is simply.....too lomp and never breaks the defensive line whereas jean has

[@rashidjurgens9992]

and we totally won

[@pi2592]

Polly will be there, no doubt. There is no way the incumbent is left out now that he is on RTP protocol. A risk to play against the Scots, but will feature the next match. It is normal to have two specialist , (Polly/Janties) no diff with Polly/Manie. The 33 is considered once it reaches France, not the current selected squad, so it can change as far as I am aware.

[@samurock100]

Le Roux with his usual brain farts at 4:51

[@emoriverevinaka905]

😂😂

[@blaquenguni9249]

Let's be honest, the only thing that's missed is goal kicking. That's it. Libbok is simply a better 10. Pollard has been blowing hot and cold for the Boks for 3 years, his performances last year were nothing to shout home about. Pollard reminds me of a legendary Italian footballer Allesandro De Piero, got injured in 1999, took a year to come back and was never quite the same player as before, still great. 2019 Pollard peaked and then had that surgery and hasn't been the same at all. Also Rassie doesn't seem to like the Du Preez brothers coz Rob Du Preez Jr has been the business at Sale

[@jamiebrown1235]

Pollard could’ve been the worlds best 12.

[@Eleutherarch]

We can definitely get by without him. People forget that his defence was woeful in the last Rugby Championship and he has been dead weight as a playmaker under Nienaber these past years. His kicking has been decent recently but not outstanding like in the past. Is that what we want? A 10 that slots more kicks than he misses, but is a liability in defence and no threat whatsoever in attack? They screwed up with their overly conservative team selection in this world cup run-up. They also sacrificed many test matches that should have been won. There is no excuse for Libbok going into the WC with this little game time. There is no excuse for not having a designated kicker nailing 80% or so. People want the Pollard of 2019. If he plays in '23, which version will we see? I'd rather roll the dice on Libbok. And as a side note, I'd rather see Reinach as our starting 9 too.

[@Eleutherarch]

*I meant the last RC he played in, not the last RC.

[@Davidvx1468]

I think the difference is that Pollard has proven he is capable and has that "big match" temperament, and he is a more formidable defender than libbok, which is why he can easily slot in as an inside centre if need be, also you can't buy that kind of experience, he is a world class flyhalf...Manie still has to prove that he can perform when the pressure is at its highest(AKA-knockout test matches), but I think it's good that we have another specialist flyhalf outside of Pollard, it's just a shame that they didn't blood him in sooner, he would've been more settled, but I back Manie since Pollard isn't at 100%

[@esof55]

Yes he'll be missed, but as Jacques said, hes not injured but just not good enough at the moment. I think we need to be wary of over-embellishing players when they're away. Yes he's very good but not infallible and certainly not perfect. I think it does more harm to the team than good to sit and wonder what would be instead of what is.

[@antonferreria1905]

when did Nienaber say that Pollard was not good enough at the moment, the man is injured and busy recovering.

[@rockybilboa6136]

The Never ending overhyping an average player by this channel

[@cubesc5638]

Pollard is Sa's Dan Carter, dont get me wrong, in my eyes Carter is the Goat nr 10.

[@user-rq9zj3zq3h]

Pollard great but will he now be in this form? With thar doubt my money is on Libbok! 😂

[@tasanalytics]

That is true, coming back from injury is never easy. Even if he was in amazing form before he got injured.

[@sbok9481]

Pollard's true worth is only realise if Faf is not playing. Unfortunately, Faf is kicking everything away and don't allow the general to play his natural game. Pollard plays better in any other team than in the SA team.

[@tasanalytics]

The sad thing about Faf is that when he plays for Sale or in Japan, he's literally one of the best attacking 9's in rugby. Yet, they force him to change his game. But at least Faf has been kicking better lately, although still too much.

[@gideonvanniekerk4252]

Agreed. FAF needs to make space for other.

[@RicksPhatPharm-vw2lb]

Exactly 💯 this... South Africa plays off 9 not 10 and Faf is way better than what the Boks are doing with him. Bok Rugby stiffles talent sadly, we have the world's best school boys who end up nowhere near there potential thanks to Bok game plans

[@sijacquz]

Prediction - there will be an "injury" in the Bok squad allowing him to come in.

[@dairet1945]

And then he will get injured again himself?

[@Ivanoskyao]

Unfortunately we cannot count with him for the WC 😢. And Libbok with no desrespect is not the same standard.

[@tasanalytics]

I agree, but to be fair towards Libbok, the boks coaching staff kind of threw him under the bus by playing the same players at crucial positions for 4 years straight. Whereas we should've developed more players. I think a lot of people would feel more comfortable if Libbok had more experience under his belt. It's the same situation with Lukhanyo Am, we have Jessie Kriel, but they never developed another 13 in the last 4 years.

[@Ebendejongh1]

​@@tasanalytics💯 agree. I think they use the same formula as what JAKE WHITE used for the 2007 WC by keeping the core players

[@christopherbezuidenhout3916]

My guy, libbok has more expansive attributes or attacking flare, good example he has been in 2 professional league cup finals and won 1 for that matter. Pollard has his good days that he is consistent, but also bad days were he lacks in playing expensively and in his kicking. Give libbok time bru, even if he struggles in the world cup. The man didn't had enough time to setup in the bok system.

[@RicksPhatPharm-vw2lb]

Genius answer to a genius who's never encountered test rugby or a world cup 🤣... Noone plays expansive rugby at test level let alone the WC, the Arg game with Bongi as captain showed why Libbok Bongi and Orie should be nowhere near Bok rugby

[@christopherbezuidenhout3916]

@@RicksPhatPharm-vw2lb brother I would rather be the so called genius and test him in it and build momentum and confidence in it. Rather than being ignorant and not try to play him at all. Weather you Like it or not, he deserve it. And just to refresh your mind Manie libbok won 1 professional rugby league cup and is a finalist in one again this year. Because of his expansive rugby style.

[@patjolly]

Ja, he's fit and should be there. It's usual South African nonsense and we won't win without him

[@josephvanwyk2088]

Up until he wears the green and gold and MISSES EVERY KICK. That's the problem.

[@TheJunglecrab]

@TASanalytics - as much as we will miss Pollard, we need to get behind Libbok… it can’t be good for him or the team with everyone blatantly declaring he’s a frowned upon second choice. Maybe a highlights video on him might be good idea

[@southafricanplebgamer9192]

I disagree. If we talking about kicking Mannie is good he just had a rough game last game. In terms of play making I say Mannie is just as good if not a bit better.

[@travismailsa1]

I might have many ney sayers, but i am glad he is not there, just wish Willie could have joined him. I am confident in our WP players standing up.

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

Hilarious these videos ... when only the good instances of a player is shown. Why not also show his plethora of failures? A balanced view is what the viewer would like to see, right? Here's a piece of information for you: considering minutes on the field for the Springboks, Elton Jantjies has delivered a higher points return than Mr Blue-eyed Pollard. No wonder Graham Henry called Elton and Faf de Klerk the world's best halfback pairing in the days when they played for the Lions and were allowed to play their natural games by Johan Ackermann. Sadly, however, once he was pulled into the Bok camp and TOLD to play the up-and-under game (for only 10 minutes every second or third game), Elton's game fell apart, of course. And in the mean time, back at the ranch, the Boks suffered one loss after the other with Mr Pollard in charge. Bottom line: Pollard can/will make no difference to the Boks' success at RWC. He is, in fact, the least effective flyhalf of all the Top Tier teams.

[@tasanalytics]

Well it's a highlights video lol so of course it's going to be his best stuff. And you might be surprised, but his last year with Leicester was way more good than bad. If we go back to 2021 and start of 2022, then yes, there's a lot of bad. As for Elton, I'm sorry but I disagree, He was amazing at the Lions, but at the boks, he was very bad. But like you said, it's probably to do with the system than with Elton himself. If we're talking Springboks rugby, Pollard is way better than him, it's not even close. If we're talking franchise level rugby, then you can make that argument. But as we know, the boks tend to force players into their style. Which is my concern with Libbok. Hopefully they prove us wrong

[@RUGGARUGBY]

I agree. It seems like whenever Pollard gets injured everybody seems to give him a clean slate, he has been atrocious at times, 4 kicks at pole in a game, missing tackles that directly leads to tries. Pollard has given us great memories, but when he isn't on form, he has shockers and takes away from the team more than he adds value. I'm glad we have Libbok, someday who actually is on form, just needs experience in a Bok 10 shirt and we'll see his true value.

[@henkstols9326]

Are you that physio chick😂

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

@@henkstols9326 No, Jacques is the physio. I'm the team's official sangoma. 😄

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

You're trying your utmost to make a case for Pollard, aren't you? 😂 The BOTTOM line is the Boks have scored more points with Elton at 10 💪 than with Pollard, when game time is considered. And that despite the fact that Elton's natural abilities were blunted and wasted by the Boks' up-and-under game plan at the time. @@tasanalytics

[@randomwatcher2848]

Crash ball fly half 😂

[@nkosiemqadi8895]

Libok can't even drop kick

[@dairet1945]

Pollard has never won v Ireland