Handré Pollard is determined to make a meaningful impact for the Bulls and Boks after working his way back to fitness and form.
This time last year, Pollard told SA Rugby magazine ‘I want to show what I can do’.
The Bulls and Springbok flyhalf had missed the entire 2016 season because of a knee injury and botched shoulder surgery. That, he said, had been a reality check for him and made him more determined than ever to be the best player he could be.
However, Pollard struggled to find form for the Bulls in Super Rugby, and would play just six matches before suffering an ankle injury that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament. He made his return to action for the Boks in the Rugby Championship, though, and finished the year as the team’s first-choice flyhalf.
In the new issue of SA Rugby magazine, on sale now, Pollard says he is in ‘a great space’ and eager to make a big impact for the Bulls and Boks, while Bulls boss John Mitchell talks about the player’s value to the team.
Also in the new issue:
– Bulls legends Frik du Preez, Naas Botha, Victor Matfield and co on their greatest memories at the union, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year
– End of an error: Why Allister Coetzee simply had to be sacked as Springbok coach
– Warren Whiteley wants to make up for lost time after enduring a lengthy injury lay-off last year
– Columnist John Plumtree on World Rugby’s latest law changes
– Amid unprecedented demand for the southern hemisphere’s best players, New Zealand Rugby continues to win the war for its own talent
– We break down the transformation failures of South Africa’s Super Rugby teams and show why the Springboks will struggle to field a side that is 50% black at the 2019 World Cup
– Recently-retired former Springbok lock Andries Bekker will move straight into a coaching role
– Columnist Thando Manana says SA Rugby’s executive council needs more independent members
– Born in Uganda, Tim Agaba is making a name for himself in South Africa. This is his story, in his own words
– English rugby players are increasingly being targeted by American football teams
– Willie le Roux is focused on his club career at Wasps, but hasn’t given up hope of a Springbok recall
– Our latest Saffas in Europe XV, based on players’ form in January
PLUS:
– Who knows Dan Kriel better: twin Jesse or wife Candice?
– Inside the mind of Kyle Brown
– What happened to Willie Meyer?
– Celeb fan with Dave Scott of the The Kiffness
– Future Star: Monument hooker Morné Brandon
– John Smit‘s Perfect XV
