Former England and Lions star Anthony Watson insists that people are too quick to write off Handre Pollard and wouldn’t be surprised if he is the main man for the Springboks at the next Rugby World Cup.
The 31-year-old is a double Rugby World Cup winner and started both of those finals in the victories over England (2019) and the All Blacks (2023).
His place-kicking was particularly vital as he scored 22 points in the 32-12 triumph over the Red Rose and all 12 in their success over New Zealand four years later.
However, it appears that many have been quick to underplay what Pollard has brought to South African rugby during his career.
Played together at Leicester
But Watson, who played alongside the fly-half at Leicester Tigers, certainly values what he offers to a team.
“My respect for him is unmatched. I’m very privileged to have played with him. He is one of the three top fly-halves to ever play the game, in Owen Farrell and George Ford and Handre. And you could probably throw Finn Russell in there too,” he told Grosvenor Sport.
“What makes Handre so special is his calmness. He understands the game obviously inside out. He doesn’t try to pretend to be this maverick who is going to throw the ball and do the maddest things in the game.
“He just plays his game. He says: ‘I know how to win games, I know how to put my team in the right areas to let the best players do what they can do and I’ll facilitate it all and I’ll keep everyone super calm in the process.’ That’s what makes him, him.”
Pollard featured five times for the Springboks in 2025, starting four matches, but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who played in 11 Tests last year, is very much seen as the country’s long-term 10.
There is just under two years to go until the next World Cup begins and Feinberg-Mngomezulu has stolen a march on Pollard and Manie Libbok in the race for the jersey.
Match winning ability in big games
However, the Bulls playmaker has consistently shown that he can handle the pressure of the global tournament and that counts for a lot in the key moments.
“In terms of where does he sit going into the next World Cup? I would never write him off, it’s impossible to write him off,” Watson added.
“I know that everyone’s talking about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. He is a ridiculous talent, and he can do things that people can only dream of. But Handre Pollard, you know what he can do and if the chips are down there’s no one better to have in your corner than him.
“It’s undeniable he’ll be part of that squad because of his experience. He’ll be an integral part of that team.”
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