In a candid reflection on Handré Pollard's performance during the Bulls' crushing 36-7 defeat to Leinster in the URC final, former Springbok coach Nick Mallett didn't mince words about what's expected from the veteran flyhalf. Pollard's nightmarish display at Croke Park was marked by errors that Mallett described as some of the most glaring he's witnessed in a crucial half.
Discussing the game on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett highlighted the essential, uncompromising role of a flyhalf like Pollard, who is tasked with precision and consistency above all. "He has to understand that his job is to be an error-free player. He can never make a mistake,” Mallett pointed out.
"He certainly didn’t have his best half. That first half was probably one where he made more mistakes than I saw him make in the whole of the 2023 World Cup."
According to Mallett, Pollard’s job is fundamentally different from those flyhalves who dazzle with breakaway plays and flashy passing. Pollard’s strength should be in his flawless execution and game management. "He must never miss a tackle, never throw a poor pass, and make sure his kicks go exactly where they’re supposed to go," Mallett emphasized.
The critique came with specific reference to a missed penalty kick by Pollard just before halftime, a moment that could have pivoted the game back in the Bulls' favor but instead fell flat. Mallett contrasted Pollard’s performance with that of other players like Manie Libbok, whose dynamic play might cover for occasional errors.
"But with Handré, that’s what he’s got to do right. He’s got to get those things right."
Despite the tough review of Pollard's performance, Mallett remains a staunch admirer of his overall abilities and strategic acumen, particularly in adhering to a game plan. Even after a difficult game in Dublin, Pollard was named in the Springbok squad for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests, indicating trust in his enduring skills despite recent setbacks.
This inclusion speaks volumes about Pollard's importance to the team, especially in the absence of first-choice flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. As the Bulls look ahead, the lessons from Croke Park will no doubt resonate as they aim to refine their strategies and execution on the field.