ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Aug 19, 2021

Entertaining is not what we're here for, says Springbok Handre Pollard

Winning is the priority for South Africa, not playing entertaining rugby, flyhalf Handre Pollard said in response to continued criticism of the Springboks’ style of play.

ADVERTISEMENT

The world champions, who defeated the British & Irish Lions 2-1 in their recent series, have been roundly criticised for what is perceived as a boring style that focuses on kicking to win territory over expansive backline play.

However, with South Africa preparing to face Argentina in their second Rugby Championship fixture in Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday, Pollard said getting the right results was all that mattered

“Everyone has got their way of playing rugby that they think is the right way,” Pollard told reporters.

“For us, it is not about entertaining. Test match rugby is about winning. At the moment, we are doing pretty well, so for now, if it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it.

“We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing and people can criticise as much as they want. We believe in it and that’s the only thing that matters.”

The Springboks pride themselves on their set-piece and while the lineout is a particular strength Pollard said they were not focusing on the new trial ’50/22′ rule from World Rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

The rule allows attacking teams to get the lineout throw-in if a kick from their own half bounces once before going out in the opposition 22-metre area.

“We’ve had a discussion about it, but it’s not something that we’re going to go looking for,” Pollard said.

“If it happens, then it’s great because it’ll be a bonus, but we’re not going to change our kicking game.

“We’re going to stick to what we know and what we believe in. If the opportunity presents itself, we’ll go for it and possibly take it.”

ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa beat Argentina 32-12 in their Rugby Championship opener at the same venue last weekend.

RELATED VIEWING:

Video Spacer

Related Articles

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Montage of HUGE hits and brilliant tries...

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 0 HOUR AGO

    Vakatawa signs for English Premiership side in sensational return to rugby

  • 6 HOURS AGO

    Exclusive: 'The Aussie DNA is missing' - David Campese reflects on Wallaby exit and ponders the future of Aussie rugby

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    France give confirmation of Dupont return thanks to superhuman recovery

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Namibia captain’s World Cup over as he receives hefty ban following Dupont hit

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Kyle Sinckler surprises everyone with World Cup injury admission

View All