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Cape Town - Springbok pivot Handre Pollard has welcomed the competition for the flyhalf position in their Rugby World Cup squad.
Pollard and Pat Lambie have been the two flyhalf incumbents in recent times, with Morne Steyn behind them in the pecking order.
Pollard started in the No 10 jersey in South Africa’s first four matches this year, while Lambie was given the honours in their last match against Argentina Buenos Aires last month.
Pollard may get the nod again for Saturday’s World Cup opener against Japan in Brighton, but the 21-year-old Bulls pivot is not bothered by the fierce competition for the jersey.
“Competition is always a great thing. If you want to play for the Springboks you’ve got to know there’s always going to be competition. It’s the best players in the country,” Pollard said at a press conference in Eastbourne on Monday.
“Pat’s been doing very well. I’ve had quite a few opportunities, probably played a bit more than him the last couple of years, but every time he’s come on he’s done a great job.
“He’s a great player, so between him, myself and Morne we’ve got three very different flyhalves, but that’s also good, we’ve got a good blend.”
Pollard also insists there is no place for big egos in the Bok squad.
“We spoke about it the other day in our team building. Pat and Morne are probably the best examples of that. (They) never have a bad word to say about anybody, (they’re) always positive, always working hard, always encouraging... and that’s the great thing about the Boks at the moment, we’ve got a great culture and a great sense of caring for each other, it’s awesome.”
Saturday’s clash at Brighton Community Stadium is scheduled for 17:45 (SA time).
