South Africa sweat over Handre Pollard injury ahead of Cape Town Test

Reports on Friday morning suggest South Africa could be forced into a late change to their starting XV for Saturday’s Greatest Rivalry Test against New Zealand in Cape Town, with Handre Pollard facing a fitness test because of a calf injury.

According to Netwerk24, the experienced fly-half is carrying the problem with the match now only a day away. His possible absence would be a significant blow to the Springboks, particularly with rain forecast in Cape Town for Saturday.

Pollard was selected at fly-half when South Africa’s team was announced on Monday. His inclusion saw Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu move to the replacements after starting at fly-half in the first Test, while Manie Libbok, who had been among the replacements at Ellis Park, was omitted from the squad altogether.

The Springboks have therefore made a clear change in their preferred fly-half options since the opening match. Any late decision on Pollard’s fitness could force another adjustment before the second meeting with the All Blacks.

The Bulls fly-half has already experienced a number of injury concerns during the current season. The most notable came when he suffered a hamstring injury while playing against Scotland in the Nations Championship.

That history will add to the uncertainty surrounding his availability, although no confirmed replacement has yet been reported. With the match approaching and the weather forecast expected to bring rain, Pollard’s condition will remain a major talking point for South Africa before kick-off.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was the starting fly-half in the first Test and was named on the bench for the Cape Town fixture. Libbok, who was part of the replacement bench at Ellis Park, was not included in the latest match-day selection.

The second Test is being billed as the Greatest Rivalry Test, with the Springboks preparing to face the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday. South Africa’s selection was announced on Monday, but the reported calf problem means the team may not be settled until shortly before the match.

The news comes after All Blacks coach Scott Robertson warned that South Africa would respond strongly, while also insisting that New Zealand would improve.

“they’ll be better… and so will we”

The Springboks had also been urged to respond in the build-up to the return fixture.

“It’s time to put up or shut up…”