Springbok supporters have been handed a major boost with Handré Pollard expected to return to fitness in time for South Africa’s historic Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore.
Pollard will miss Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that the experienced flyhalf is expected to travel with the squad to the United States.
If his recovery progresses as planned, Pollard could be available for selection when South Africa and New Zealand meet at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, 12 September.
Pollard’s return could be a major boost
The potential return of Pollard would give Erasmus another experienced option for the fourth and final Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The 32-year-old has been a key figure in some of the Springboks’ biggest matches and offers a combination of tactical control, composure and reliable goal-kicking that could prove valuable in a high-pressure encounter.
Pollard has already earned 87 Test caps for South Africa, scoring 837 points. That places him second on the Springboks’ all-time Test points list, 56 points behind record-holder Percy Montgomery.
Erasmus confirmed that Pollard will make the trip alongside Grant Williams and Canan Moodie, with all three players expected to be available for selection next week.
“Handré, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie will be on the plane to Baltimore,” Erasmus said. “They’ll be ready for selection next week.”
The confirmation provides some welcome clarity for the Springboks, although South Africa must first navigate Saturday’s crucial encounter in Soweto.
Springboks and All Blacks to share a flight
The journey to Baltimore will produce an unusual sight as fierce rivals South Africa and New Zealand prepare to become temporary travelling companions.
Both teams are scheduled to board the same charter flight to Baltimore on Sunday, just one day after their third Test.
Erasmus acknowledged the strange circumstances surrounding the trip.
After spending Saturday battling each other on the rugby field, the two squads will spend roughly 12 to 15 hours on the same aircraft as they travel to the United States.
For both teams, recovery will be particularly important given the short turnaround before the fourth Test.
A first-ever Test on American soil
The Baltimore showdown will have its own place in rugby history.
The fourth meeting between the Springboks and All Blacks in this series will be the first time the two traditional rivals face each other on American soil.
M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, will provide the setting on 12 September.
Although the venue represents something new for both teams, Erasmus insists the fundamentals remain unchanged.
For the Springboks, the immediate priority is still Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium, with the series finely poised.
Pollard will watch that contest from the sidelines, but his recovery could put one of South Africa’s most experienced big-game players back into the picture just in time for the historic Baltimore clash.
Pollard’s timeline looks promising
With Erasmus confirming that Pollard is expected to travel and be ready for selection next week, the flyhalf appears to be on track for a timely return.
The Springboks will first have to deal with the All Blacks in Soweto before turning their attention across the Atlantic.
If Pollard clears the final fitness hurdle, his experience could provide Erasmus with another important weapon for a Test that will make history in Baltimore.
