Handrè Pollard is still just 29 but that doesn’t mean his Springboks number 10 jersey isn’t under serious threat.
Handre Pollard is not going anywhere at 29. However, there’s strength in depth for the Springboks at 10 with three talented pretenders breathing down his neck.
POLLARD REMAINS THE ‘TOP DOG’
The whole 12 points that South Africa scored in their thrilling 12-11 victory against New Zealand on Saturday were kicked by Handre Pollard. He also scored 22 of their 32 points in the 2019 championship game, demonstrating his clutch performance in pivotal situations. The Leicester pivot, who remains composed under duress, still has ambitions for the national number 10 shirt. Manie Libbok, among others, is prepared to take the reins, though.
SPRINGBOKS HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS AT 10
“Erasmus name-checked Stormers wunderkind Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Sharks playmaker Curwin Bosch as players who could offer competition at flyhalf going forward, along with Manie Libbok,”
MANIE LIBBOK
Without a doubt, Manie Libbok possesses innate ability. The 26-year-old was substituted for Pollard in the final after he was pulled from the match against England in the semi-final. Libbok’s flare and flashy playmaking might have been better displayed in more ideal and dry circumstances. With a filthy ball and hardly any expansive rugby on display, Pollard was effectively the man for the job.
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SACHA FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 21, is a star player for the Stormers who plays a variety of backline positions. His whole game has captured the attention of URC fans. This player has all it takes to be successful at the top level: he is strong on defense, skilled at goal-kickering, inventive with the ball in his hands, and technically as smooth as they come.
CURWIN BOSCH
Sharks playmaker Bosch, the maverick of the group, is undoubtedly confident and possesses X-Factor. But he’ll need to get more dependable and consistent if he wants to be a real contender for the jersey. Should he succeed, South Africa will be dealing with a significant contender. He may just be 26 years old, but like Libbok, he has a ton of experience already.
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