After failing to shine this season, and poor outings over the last two weeks especially, it's do-or-die time for the Bulls 10.
Bulls flyhalf Handré Pollard will see the final Champions Cup pool match against Section Paloise (Pau) as an opportunity to find his rhythm after a few performances below his usual high standard.
Since joining the Bulls at the start of the year, the Springbok 10 has yet to shine consistently, despite having been a key figure for Leicester Tigers, Montpellier, and the national team over the years.
Expectations are high, but he has struggled to replicate the form that once made him one of the world’s top flyhalves.
Pollard far from his best
Pollard’s recent outings have highlighted these difficulties. He scored a try against the Stormers but missed three of four kicks at goal and created few attacking opportunities during their United Rugby Championship derby defeat two weeks ago.
Last week against Bristol Bears, he slotted all six conversions but was largely ineffective in general play. His distribution and kicking were off, and he even failed to kick 10 metres on a restart, handing the visitors a scrum.
He was not the only player to make mistakes. Head coach Johan Ackermann said he had noticed a worrying trend among senior players.
“No player goes out to make a mistake, and obviously there is a bit more expectation on your senior players,” Ackermann said.
“But is it because they are playing harder and almost want to do stuff by themselves? I’m not sure. The reality is we are playing a lot of rugby against ourselves by the kind of mistakes we make.”
The Bulls will rely on Pollard to step up in a do-or-die clash against Pau. Back-up flyhalf Keagan Johannes and new signing Kade Wolhunter, brought in from the Lions this season, are poised to support the position, particularly while Pollard is away with the Springboks.
Do-or-die time for Bulls 10
The Bulls have lost seven matches in a row, conceding 56 tries and 389 points in 11 games – an average of 35 points per match. They sit at the bottom of Pool 4 in the Champions Cup with two points from three defeats.
An away win against fourth-placed Pau, ideally with a bonus point, is essential to finish fourth and qualify for the round of 16.
Pollard must find form fast as the team prepares for a challenging European tour over the next two weeks – a URC fixture against Edinburgh to follow Pau.
With their backs against the wall, the spotlight will be on the Bulls’ playmakers to deliver under pressure.
