Pollard relishing Tonga challenge after 13-month absence
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is relishing the chance to lead South Africa to victory against Tonga in their final Rugby World Cup pool match after a 13-month absence.
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is relishing the chance to lead South Africa to victory against Tonga in their final Rugby World Cup pool match after a 13-month absence.
Springbok fullback Willie le Roux is expecting a “brutal” battle against Tonga in their final Rugby World Cup pool match in Marseille on Sunday.
Handre Pollard will play his first Test since August 2022 and Marco van Staden will wear the No 16 jersey as replacement hooker for the first time when the Springboks meet Tonga in Marseille on Sunday, as coach Jacques Nienaber rotated his starting team for their final Rugby World Cup pool match.
Springbok fly-half Handre Pollard could be in line to face Tonga in South Africa's final Rugby World Cup pool game at the Orange Velodrome on Sunday.
The Springbok coaches will weigh the team’s goalkicking options in the wake of the narrow defeat by Ireland (13-8) after returning from Paris to their Toulon training base on Sunday.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi rued the missed opportunities as they suffered a disappointing 13-8 defeat against the top-ranked team in the world, Ireland, in their Rugby World Cup Pool B clash at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, but said they would keep their heads high and turn their focus to next week’s encounter against Tonga.
Ireland are one step closer to reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals following their 13-8 victory over South Africa at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is looking forward to a "tough challenge" against Johnny Sexton when South Africa face Ireland at Stade de France on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is expecting a massive challenge when South Africa come up against world No 1 Ireland in their round three Rugby World Cup pool encounter at Stade de France on Saturday.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says facing world no 1 Ireland is "as big as it gets" as the defending champions prepare for a tough battle at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.