As the Vodacom Bulls gear up for a tension-filled URC final against Leinster at Croke Park, flyhalf Handré Pollard emphasizes the crucial balance of emotion and discipline. The Bulls, haunted by near misses in past finals, are hungry for a breakthrough victory.
The Bulls, no strangers to the finals stage, have yet to clinch the title despite making it to the big dance three times in the last five seasons. Their history of heartbreak includes a narrow loss to the Stormers in 2022 and a devastating defeat by Glasgow Warriors in 2024, compounded by a heavy thrashing from Leinster last season at the very venue they return to now. Pollard, though absent from these clashes, carries the weight of experience from international triumphs, including pivotal roles in World Cup victories.
"Emotions will be sky-high in Dublin, but we need to harness them wisely," Pollard asserts.
"We're desperate to get over the line. They're desperate to defend their title, and they'll be playing in front of their people,"
he added, highlighting the stakes for both teams filled with top-tier talent.The seasoned Springbok suggests using past disappointments as motivational fuel rather than baggage. "There's a lot of hurt in the team, but the talk has been very positive. It's all about channeling that into motivation without dwelling on the past," Pollard remarked, setting his eyes on the prize with a clear focus on the present.
"It's important to use the energy but control your mind."
This mantra of balance is what Pollard preaches as essential for overcoming the final hurdle. He underscores the importance of playing their own game, the style that earned them a spot in the finals. "It's about going out there, playing freely, and having no regrets. If it's meant to be, it will be, but we have to give it all we've got," he explained.Pollard also touched on the personal aspects of handling the pressure, advising his teammates to embrace the moment. "Everyone handles pressure differently. I try to stay as calm as possible and enjoy it because that’s why we play the game. There’s nothing bigger than a final."
The Bulls stand on the cusp of redemption this Grand Final Friday, with Pollard leading the charge, both as a strategist and a motivator. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown at Croke Park, where past demons will be confronted head-on in the quest for ultimate glory.