Handre Pollard Closes in on Percy Montgomery’s Springbok Points Record

Handre Pollard is edging closer to Percy Montgomery’s long-standing record as the Springboks’ leading Test points scorer.

The experienced flyhalf added seven points to his international tally during South Africa’s 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth, converting two tries and kicking a penalty at Optus Stadium.

That took Pollard’s Springbok total to 844 points from 88 Tests, leaving him just 49 points behind Montgomery’s record of 893.

Pollard closing the gap

Montgomery remains at the top of South Africa’s all-time Test points list after collecting 893 points across 102 appearances.

Pollard’s current scoring rate means he could potentially overtake the former Springbok fullback after roughly five or six more Tests, although that will depend on his selection, playing time and points output.

The 32-year-old’s 844 points have come from eight tries, 132 conversions, 175 penalties and five drop goals.

Pollard has also had to contend with injuries in recent seasons, which have limited his opportunities to add to his international tally.

A record within reach

If Pollard remains involved with the Springboks and maintains his scoring output, Montgomery’s record is firmly within reach.

Behind the leading pair on South Africa’s points list is another former flyhalf, Morné Steyn, who finished his Test career with 742 points from 68 matches.

Bryan Habana follows on 335 points, with Elton Jantjies, Naas Botha, Joel Stransky and Braam van Straaten also among the Springboks to have scored more than 200 Test points.

Springbok all-time Test points leaders

Pollard is still active.

With only 49 points separating Pollard from Montgomery, the race for the top spot could become one of the most interesting individual milestones to follow in the Springboks’ upcoming Tests.

Can Handre Pollard become the Springboks’ all-time leading Test points scorer?