Handre Pollard is the best Springbok flyhalf and with out the two-time World Cup winner, documentaries like Chasing the Solar wouldn’t exist, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Pollard made a well timed restoration from harm to cap a sensational 2023 by kicking the Boks to a World Cup title defence in France. The 69-Check pivot once more proved to be the person for the large event, replicating his 2019 heroics regardless of a delayed name into South Africa’s squad.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane believes Pollard’s late introduction into the event modified the Boks’ fortunes and World Cup historical past. Whereas acknowledging different heroes like Deon Fourie, Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit, he emphasises Pollard’s function, demonstrated by his flawless goal-kicking and essential performs in high-pressure matches.
Keohane asserts that Pollard’s performances on the grandest levels make him unparalleled amongst Bok flyhalves. He highlights the 30-year-old’s decisive moments, and urges followers to “cherish and respect” Pollard’s impression on South African rugby.
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“Handre Pollard was the differentiator within the Springboks profitable defence of the World Cup and he owns the crown of biggest Springboks flyhalf,” he writes.
“The greats are outlined by how they carry out within the greatest moments on the largest stage. Pollard, for the Springboks, at World Cups, has achieved it greater than some other No 10 within the historical past of the Springboks.
“If the World Cup is the Holy Grail within the skilled age, then Pollard’s performances within the 2019 World Cup playoffs and 2023 World Cup playoffs makes him South Africa’s biggest No 10.
“Chasing the Solar 2 is a nation builder of observe, but when there was no Pollard there could be no Chasing the Solar 2, not to mention the unique Chasing the Solar.”
Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Photos