By Ashfak Mohamed 
Jul 19, 2021
Share this article:
CAPE TOWN – Saturday’s first Test between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions will be extra special for Handre Pollard.
Not only will he make his return to the field after Covid-19 isolation, which saw him miss last week’s South Africa A clash against the Lions, but he will also earn his 50th Test cap at Cape Town Stadium (6pm kickoff) – and in his home province, as he hails from Somerset West and went to school at Paarl Gym.
“But it’s time to go now – all the talk and everything is finished now. It’s time to get stuck in to these three Test matches.”
Pollard’s availability would have come as a huge relief to head coach Jacques Nienaber, as he is the undoubted mastermind behind the team’s success.
Who’s ready for Test week? 🏋️#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #CastleLionsSeries pic.twitter.com/mWRQGlns5s
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 19, 2021
His unerring kicking boot, physicality in defence, ability to find gaps on attack and cool nature under pressure shone through during the 2019 Rugby World Cup – none more so than in the semi-final against Wales, where he slotted a late, angled penalty to clinch the victory.