Handré Pollard highlighted the need for improvement in the Springboks' defense after a challenging match against Scotland, despite securing a 42-28 victory. The experienced flyhalf, who shifted to inside centre during the game, was perfect with his kicks, converting five of South Africa's six tries. Quan Horn stepped in to convert the final try, helping the team to claim their second consecutive win in the Nations Championship.
While the win was a positive outcome, Pollard praised Scotland for their strong performance. "All credit to Scotland, they’re a very good side," he acknowledged. Scotland's prowess in set-pieces and consistent pressure were significant, but Pollard noted the resilience of his team, especially in the third quarter.
"We let them back in, which is very disappointing, but we got through it,"
he admitted, reflecting on the moments the Springboks' defense faltered.The defensive issues will be a key focus in training as the team prepares for their upcoming match against Wales in Durban. "Defensively we were very disappointing in periods, so it’s a big work-on for us," Pollard conceded, despite the overall positive result.
The victory was particularly notable given the number of changes made by coach Rassie Erasmus to the starting lineup, following their previous win over England. Pollard praised the depth of the squad, which was evident in their ability to maintain performance despite the rotations. "Definitely, but that’s just this team," he responded when asked about the impact of the changes.
"We just slot in, we try new combinations, build squad depth and that’s just what we do,"
Pollard highlighted, emphasizing the team's adaptability and strength.Playing at Loftus Versfeld provided a remarkable atmosphere, which was a valuable experience for many players new to test matches. The blend of seasoned players and newcomers showcased the robust squad depth that the Springboks have developed, setting a strong foundation for their future engagements in the Nations Championship.
Photo credit: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
Teams: South Africa, Scotland