Handré Pollard is brushing off a rare off-day in his kicking game as he prepares for the Vodacom URC final in Dublin. Despite a shaky performance at Murrayfield where he missed three penalties, Pollard helped the Bulls clinch a nail-biting 22-21 victory over the Glasgow Warriors, securing their spot in the championship game against Leinster at Croke Park.
Pollard, known for his clutch kicking in high-pressure situations, including key moments in the Springboks' 2023 World Cup win, is looking to bounce back after what he himself described as a disappointing semi-final.
"Absolutely, I was terrible last weekend with the kicking. But you have those days and you’ve got to be able to put it aside and see it for what it is,"
Pollard reflected.The seasoned flyhalf is not letting the mishaps shake his confidence. He emphasized the transient nature of such setbacks and his readiness to return to form for the upcoming final.
"As frustrating and disappointing as it was, I know what to do to reset."
Pollard plans to stick to his proven routine, confident in the processes that have made him one of the sport's premier kickers.His approach to preparation has shifted as he's matured, focusing more on quality over quantity. "I’m definitely more of a rhythm guy. When you’re young, you can kick for hours and hours. As you get older, you’ve got to look after your body and listen to it," Pollard explained. He now prioritizes feeling right with each kick, ensuring his body dictates the intensity and duration of his practice sessions.
With the final match looming, Pollard is eager to make amends and help his team claim the URC title. Facing the defending champions in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle, the Bulls are hungry for redemption and a victory that would mark their continued dominance in the league.
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Croke Park, where Pollard's resilience and skill will once again be put to the test in a high-stakes clash that could seal his legacy as one of rugby's greats.
Teams: Vodacom Bulls vs. Leinster