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Pollard to lead Bulls in Newlands derby?

Cape Town - Handre Pollard could lead the Bulls in their Super Rugby opener against the Stormers at Newlands on February 25.

Regular Bulls captain Adriaan Strauss will miss their first three Super Rugby games as he recovers from a back operation, and according to Wednesday’s Cape Times, Pollard and loose forward Hanro Liebenberg are the candidates to lead the men from Pretoria in their first Super Rugby game.

The 22-year-old Pollard is fit again after missing the entire 2016 season due to knee and shoulder injuries.

He has also been touted as a possible successor to Strauss as Springbok captain, with the latter retiring from international rugby last year.

Pollard however downplayed the possibility of being named captain.

“My priority is to get back onto the field and nothing about the captaincy. First I want to get back into the Bulls team and take it from there,” he said on Tuesday.

A fit Pollard would be a welcome sight for Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, who after a torrid 2016 season must be wondering who is top flyhalf is.

Elton Jantjies flattered to deceive, while Pat Lambie struggled with concussion issues. Morne Steyn was the other flyhalf utilised.

The 20-Test capped Pollard's last international was against Argentina at the 2015 World Cup in England.

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