Johann van Graan admits Bath have “no specific plan” to stop Leicester Tigers’ World Cup-winning pivot Handre Pollard on Sunday, while hailing Jasper Wiese’s dynamism.
Pollard’s composure and supreme kicking game make him a formidable force in steering Leicester’s game plan, and his impact extends beyond his individual brilliance, shaping the English outfit’s overall strategy as a game-driver.
The veteran playmaker has been in exceptional form since helping the Springboks win an unprecedented fourth World Cup title in 2023, and speaking ahead of the Premiership clash between Bath and Leicester, Van Graan reckons it is pointless to target Pollard.
“There is no specific plan for Handre, he is too good to target specifically,” Van Graan, a former Bok assistant coach, was quoted by Rugby Pass.
“I have coached Handre for a very long time and he is one of the best and the ultimate professional. Handre loves big moments and if you look at the three Rugby World Cups [2015, 2019, 2023] that he has been involved in, he makes his kicks in big games.
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“He is playing in a class team and so we give them all the respect they deserve. To play the Tigers on the last day of 2023, if you don’t enjoy these games, why are you in the game? We cannot wait.”
Wiese, who will part ways with Leicester at the end of the season, adds another layer to the showdown, with the powerful Bok No 8’s formidable ball-carrying skills a focal point for Van Graan.
The head coach added: “I came across Jasper the first time when he was playing for the Cheetahs and he came off the bench against Munster and you saw this dynamic ball carrier. Steve Borthwick signed him for Leicester and what a journey he has been on.
“He was perceived to have poor discipline at one stage and team’s targeted him and he has become one of the premier ball carriers in world rugby. What he has done for Leicester is incredible and he is the leading ball carrier in the Premiership averaging 20 carries a game.
“What he did for South Africa was also incredible – he has worked hard at his game and he is tough. He is one of the best players in the Premiership in my view.”
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