Rugby's Robbery of the Year: Handré Pollard, the (Almost) Unlikely Hero

Rugby's Robbery of the Year: Handré Pollard, the (Almost) Unlikely Hero

Series 3/8: A Remarkable Comeback on Rugby's Grand Stage

In the realm of rugby, tales of resilience and unexpected heroism often capture the limelight. One such story unfolded in 2022, starring Handré Pollard, the 29-year-old South African fly-half who rose from obscurity to become a decisive figure in the Springboks' extraordinary journey to a historic global double.

In October 2022, as Pollard embarked on a new chapter with the prestigious Leicester Tigers, doubts loomed over his capabilities. Jim Hamilton, a former Scottish lock with experience in Montpellier, commented, "He's 28? Feels like he's older than that." Little did anyone anticipate that this seasoned fly-half would soon take center stage in South Africa's triumphant campaign.

However, fate had other plans. A calf injury sidelined Pollard, preventing his participation in the Rugby World Cup in France with the Springboks. This setback, though significant, paved the way for Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse to assume leadership. Patience became a virtue for Pollard, hailing from Somerset West in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Surprisingly, Pollard made a remarkable comeback, securing his spot in the squad at the expense of the esteemed hooker Malcolm Marx. Serving as the fireman to address Libbok's kicking struggles, Pollard delivered a flawless performance by achieving a 100% success rate against Tonga. His return at this critical juncture spoke volumes about his resilience and determination.

A turning point arrived during the quarter-final clash against France, where Pollard, initially on the bench, entered the fray just after halftime. His impactful presence turned the tide, culminating in a game-winning penalty from almost 50 meters out, securing South Africa's progression. Pollard's leadership, experience, staunch defense, and, notably, his accurate kicking reassured the team.

The semi-final against England witnessed another masterclass from Pollard. Despite adverse weather conditions, the South African guided his team with precision, making significant contributions near the opposing try line. Once again, he secured victory with a crucial penalty from 50 meters out, cementing his remarkable comeback.

In the grand finale against the All Blacks, Pollard's stature shone as he single-handedly scored all 12 points for his team. As Leicester's fly-half, he played an essential role in South Africa's triumph, reminiscent of his extraordinary performances in the 2019 edition where he finished as the tournament's top scorer with 69 points.

While the fly-half position has historically been a position of strength for South Africa, featuring talents such as Joël Stransky, Butch James, and Morné Steyn, recently, Libbok appeared to have become the preferred No. 10. However, Pollard's resurgence in the spotlight not only challenges this narrative but fundamentally alters the equation.

Pollard, who overcame shoulder injuries and an anterior cruciate ligament rupture during his time with Montpellier, has reemerged at the peak of his abilities. His remarkable courage under pressure has caught the attention of his teammates, with Steven Kitshoff emphasizing Pollard's exceptional qualities.

As an unexpected hero, Handré Pollard has experienced a year filled with twists, turns, and emotive moments. Even so, the Springbok's journey is far from over. In a matter of months, Pollard and his wife Marise are set to welcome a new addition to the Pollard family—a poignant reminder that beyond the rugby field, life's most significant chapters are yet to unfold for this resilient fly-half.