Share

Pollard: 'Canes a force, with or without Barrett

Cape Town - Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard says the Hurricanes remain a dangerous outfit even without All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett.

Barrett looks unlikely to start in Saturday’s game at Loftus Versfeld - largely due to the fact that he did not feature in any of the pre-season warm-up matches and that he arrived late in South Africa after attending the weddings of his brother and a close friend.

Ihaia West now looks set to be Pollard’s opposite number on Saturday but the Springbok does not believe it will make the Hurricanes a weaker side.

“They’ll be potent with or without him (Barrett),” Pollard told Netwerk24. “Ihaia West is just as good. I played against him at junior level and in a few Super Rugby games. Beauden will be a loss, but it would be a mistake to underestimate Ihaia.”

The 23-year-old Pollard is fit and raring to go after two injury-plagued seasons.

He says he feels as fit as he was at the beginning of the 2015 season.

Bulls coach John Mitchell will name his starting team on Thursday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE