Nick Mallett said that Handré Pollard’s core value to the Springboks is flawless execution and game management, meaning he cannot afford to make unforced errors.
Speaking recently on the Talking Boks podcast following the Vodacom Bulls' 36-7 United Rugby Championship (URC) final defeat to Leinster, Mallett said that Pollard lacks the natural, game-breaking flair of other flyhalves.
Consequently, his entire tactical role relies on being a "flawless player" who executes the team's tactical blueprint perfectly. Despite the heavy criticism of Pollard's error-strewn first half in the URC final, Mallett remains a massive admirer of his ability to execute a complex team game plan.
“He certainly didn’t have his best first half against Leinster. That first half was probably one where he made more mistakes than I saw him make in the whole of the 2023 World Cup.”
“He has to understand that his job is to be an error-free player. He can never make a mistake.
“From the kick-off, he’s got to kick it perfectly over the 15m line and put it in a contestable position where his team can challenge the receiver.
“If he kicks a penalty to touch, there’s absolutely no excuse for not finding touch.”
“Handré isn’t as good as some other flyhalves in their ability to break the game open and perhaps their passing ability."
“So when I say he needs to be a flawless player, I mean that in terms of what he does.”
“He must never miss a tackle, never throw a poor pass and make sure his kicks go exactly where they’re supposed to go.”
“The kick that missed touch just before half-time, which could have brought them back into the game, wasn’t good enough.”
“You look at a guy like Manie Libbok, and you vaguely excuse those things because Manie does so much else with the ball.”
“But with Handré, that’s what he’s got to do right. He’s got to get those things right.”
“I would say he’s probably always been the fly-half who doesn’t get the best out of his outside backs in terms of attacking play, but in terms of following a game plan, he’s absolutely remarkably good.”
“He’s just got to make sure that he never makes mistakes.”