Pollard is more than enough on his own. With 48 Test appearances, the 27-year-old already has a strong claim to being his country’s best ever flyhalf – leading South Africa to a series win over the Lions will help cement it. It’s not that he does anyone particular skill better than his predecessors. It’s that he is able to combine all their best attributes in a complete package.
He is reliable in defence and in clutch situations like Joel Stransky. He runs attacking lines at pace like Henry Honiball. He wins territorial gains from the boot like Jannie de Beer. He launches himself into collisions like Butch James. He has the kicking accuracy of Steyn and the creativity of Jantjies. He has won World Cups at junior and senior level. With a dominant pack in front and explosive runners outside, he is the most crucial component in this Springbok outfit.
He is, however, injury prone and will enter the Lions series having missed most of the season with a serious knee injury sustained in September last year while on duty with Montpellier. He returned in May but has played only 157 minutes – less than two full games. He will have two warm up games against Georgia to prepare for the first Test.
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