‘Pollard must stay at flyhalf’

Six former Springboks on who should start at 10, 12, and 13 against the Wallabies this Saturday, and at the World Cup.

Kobus Wiese (former Bok lock)

'Handré Pollard is the guy for the future and should continue at flyhalf. I'd also like to see Heyneke Meyer stick with the centre combination from last weekend's match against World XV [Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel], but if Jean de Villiers is fit for the World Cup then then he should start with De Allende.'

Gaffie du Toit (former Bok flyhalf)

'After what happened at Newlands, I would start Pat Lambie at flyhalf this Saturday. I'd like to see Damian de Allende and Jean de Villiers start in the midfield at the World Cup, but for now I'd stick with De Allende and Jesse Kriel.'

André Pretorius (former Bok flyhalf)

'I definitely want Handré Pollard at flyhalf, as we need to build his confidence and get some continuity going in the side. Heyneke Meyer's most experienced midfield combination is Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie, but they haven't played together for a while. Damian de Allende has been playing so well and Jesse Kriel's performance at outside centre against the World XV surprised me, so I'd like to see them tested at Test level.'  

Christiaan Scholtz (former Bok centre)

'Handré Pollard should start all the Bok Tests this year. He has established himself as the No 1 flyhalf in the country and one off day [against the World XV] doesn't warrant his omission. I'd like Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel to start against the Wallabies just to see how they go against a genuine Test side. But fitness permitting, Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie would be my centre pairing at the World Cup, with Ruan Pienaar and Pollard as the halfbacks.'

Braam van Straaten (former Bok flyhalf)

'Without a doubt, Handré Pollard should stay at flyhalf. He had a bad day at the office against the World XV, with a few erratic kicks, but it's nothing that can't be rectified. Damian de Allende picks himself at inside centre. He proved his worth throughout Super Rugby and last Saturday showed he is more than capable of performing at the highest level. For now, I'd continue to rotate players in that outside centre position, but when Jean de Villiers returns to full fitness, he and De Allende should team up in midfield. Jean is an experienced campaigner and an excellent communicator, which will help Damian in big matches.'

Werner Greeff (former Bok fullback and centre)

'There is absolutely no need to drop Handré Pollard from the starting lineup. Newlands is one of the most difficult stadiums in which to kick, even more so when it's not your home ground. Pollard kicked well for the Bulls this year, but it's his attacking mindset and style of play that gives him the inside lane for the No 10 jersey, with Pat Lambie as cover. Jesse Kriel made a few mistakes in the World XV match, but he and De Allende should get another opportunity this weekend. However, at the World Cup, De Allende and Jean de Villiers must be in midfield, with Frans Steyn providing cover on the bench.'

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