Handre Pollard is back in full training and even getting reps at inside centre as one of his teammates has confirmed the Springbok flyhalf is ready to play at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
One of three big omissions from the World Cup squad, Pollard was left out of the 33 due to a calf injury, but did travel with the world champions to the UK as part of the injury standby list.
There has been talk that the Springboks could yet include their 2019 World Cup general in their title defence, which Jacques Nienaber had to downplay before the team left South African shores.
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According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Pollard is close to full fitness as he has returned to training this week and has even been running at inside centre.
Nienaber’s plan was reportedly to field Pollard at No 12 during the Rugby Championship. However, that had to be called off due to the delay in his injury recovery. Pollard does have prior experience in the position, having been utilised there during his stint with French giants Montpellier.
Pollard’s halfback partner Faf de Klerk told Rapport that the 2019 World Cup top-points scorer is ready to play when needed.
“Handré is training fully and he looks good, like the old Polly. It’s nice to have him in the group, among other things because of his experience and leadership,” said De Klerk.
“I think he’s burning to play again. He is completely fit again and now he is waiting for his chance.”
Manie Libbok remains the only specialist flyhalf in the current squad, with utility back Damian Willemse also an option.
De Klerk did put his hand up as a third-choice option at No 10.
“Even at U19 level with the Lions, I mainly played flyhalf. So I have experience at flyhalf. At No 10 you have to organize more and make sure everyone is in position. The flyhalf decides what to do next. That’s the biggest difference between nine and No 10.”
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