Handré Pollard is expected to be fit for the Springboks’ historic Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore in the United States.
Handre Pollard is expected to be fit for the Springboks’ historic Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore in the United States in nine days’ time, giving coach Rassie Erasmus a major boost as the bitter rivals prepare for a transatlantic showdown.
Pollard will miss Saturday’s battle at FNB Stadium in Soweto as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
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But the experienced flyhalf is expected to travel with the Springboks to the United States and be ready for selection when South Africa and New Zealand meet again at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, 12 September (23:00 SA time).
That means Erasmus could have one of his most trusted big-match operators back in contention for the fourth and final Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Pollard has played 87 Tests for the Springboks, scoring 837 points – the second highest, just 56 behind leader Percy Montgomery.
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Erasmus confirmed that Handre Pollard, along with Grant Williams and Canan Moodie, will travel to Baltimore.
“Handré, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie will be on the plane to Baltimore,” Erasmus said.
“They’ll be ready for selection next week.”
Pollard’s return would be particularly significant given the demands of a four-Test series against the All Blacks.
The 32-year-old has played a central role in some of the Springboks’ biggest victories and provides Erasmus with experience, tactical control and a proven goal-kicking option.
While South Africa will first have to negotiate Saturday’s third Test in Soweto, the coaching staff can already look ahead to having Pollard available for the historic encounter in Baltimore.
In one of the more unusual twists, South Africa and New Zealand will go from fierce opponents to travelling companions almost immediately after Saturday’s Test.
The two teams will board the same charter flight to Baltimore on Sunday.
Erasmus admitted that the arrangement was unusual.
“It’s kind of a weird thing to do,” he said.
“We fly on the same charter on Sunday, us and New Zealand on the same plane.
“The day before we were coming hard at each other and now we’re sitting on a plane together for 12 or 15 hours.”
The long flight will place an additional emphasis on recovery, with both squads facing another Test just a week later.
“It’s an interesting experience, but recovery is going to be important,” Erasmus said.
“It’s the same for both teams.”
The fourth Test will be the first time the Springboks and All Blacks have faced each other on American soil.
M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, will host the clash on 12 September.
For Erasmus, however, the venue will not alter the fundamentals of the contest.
“We play in stadiums all over the world. The field is still 70 metres by 100 metres,” he said.
“It’s something different for us to experience, and for the people who can get tickets to see the players in person. We’re really looking forward to it.”
First, though, South Africa and New Zealand have business to settle in Soweto.
And while Handre Pollard will not be part of that immediate battle, his recovery is progressing at exactly the right time.
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