Pollard’s opportunity to prove he can still compete with youngsters

THE Springbok midfield set to take the field against Italy on Saturday offers an exciting glimpse into the future — and don’t discount the man tasked with directing play at flyhalf in Turin.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed in a television interview ahead of the clash with France that he intended to recall Handre Pollard at fly-half, while testing a youthful midfield pairing of Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie. Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg will also get an opportunity to showcase his skills.

With Erasmus able to plan without recourse to panic selections following the positive result in Paris, Pollard will marshal a backline featuring Hooker and Moodie in the midfield, and a daring back three of Edwill van der Merwe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse. For rugby fans, this is a back-line that feels like a gift from the rugby gods — and they wouldn't be wrong.