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Pollard reveals his psychological preparation for epic RWC penalty

Handre Pollard of South Africa lines up a conversion during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

For a player who was not even in South Africa’s original squad for the World Cup, Handre Pollard had a big say in the outcome of the tournament as the Springboks defended their title, kicking all his side’s points in the 12-11 win over the All Blacks in the final.

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But it was the week before that he may have produced his most iconic contribution, kicking a 78th minute penalty from the halfway line to beat England 16-15.

It was as high-pressure as kicks come in rugby and the 29-year-old delivered, and he recently revealed how he loves moments like those.

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    Joining Jim Hamilton on RugbyPass TV’s The Big Jim Show, the fly-half shared that he prepared to kick the match-winning points earlier in the match, allowing him to “enjoy that moment” when it came. This, he said, differs from other kickers who may find themselves in a similar position.

    In what was a chaotic match, the Leicester Tigers No10 said he was “very, very surprised” to be called off the bench to replace Manie Libbok in the first half at the Stade de France, but it was a decision by Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus that ultimately paid off.

    “At that moment of putting the ball down, for me, it’s excitement,” Pollard said.

    “I love it, I love those moments, it just gets me really excited. But I don’t think it starts there.

    “We were nine points down with 15 to go, in your mind you know it’s going to come down to a kick probably somewhere. And I think a lot of guys try and push that thought aside, where I’ve learnt over the years to just take 20 seconds in a stoppage, whatever it may be, to really address it in your mind. And then forget about it again. But at least subconsciously you’re preparing for that.

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    “Whereas if it happens and you get a penalty, a lot of guys get flustered and the shot clock is on and they’ve got 60 seconds. If you’ve addressed it early on, you can just go into your routine and do your thing and just enjoy that moment. We’ve got to be realistic, it’s not always going to go over, but it’s the most alive we ever feel on a rugby field, I feel as a fly-half.”

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    Comments

    3 Comments
    R
    Rugby 452 days ago

    Good article and thanks to Jim Hamilton I have watched all RugbyPass TV’s The Big Jim Show. This one absolutely had me pausing many times to get my pen and paper. Master class of sports psychology right there - to go with the amazing skill set. Handre being doing this internationally since U20’s.


    “how cool would it be if this went over” is a million times better than “ I hope I don’t miss” etc.


    BTW team list from 2012 U20 IRB Junior World Championship

    Same result as 2023


    South Africa

    22-16 New Zealand 

    Try: V. van der Watt 47' m J. Serfontein 61' m Pen: H. Pollard (4/5) 10', 19', 39', 75' Drop: H. Pollard (1/1) 60'

    Try: M. Keresoma 34' c Con: I. West (1/1) 35' Pen: I. West (2/3) 13', 56'

    South Africa

    The 2012 IRB Junior World Championship


    Head Coach: Dawie Theron


    Players

    Franco Marais

    Mark Pretorius

    Jason Thomas

    Allan Dell

    Oli Kebble

    Steven Kitshoff

    Maks van Dyk

    Ruan Botha

    Pieter-Steph du Toit

    Marvin Orie

    Paul Willemse

    Shaun Adendorff

    Fabian Booysen

    Wiaan Liebenberg

    Khaya Majola

    Braam Steyn

    Abrie Griesel

    Vian van der Watt

    Tony Jantjies

    Dillyn Leyds

    Handré Pollard

    Patrick Howard

    Paul Jordaan

    Tshotsho Mbovane

    Jan Serfontein

    William Small-Smith

    Kobus van Wyk

    Dean Hammond

    Travis Ismaiel

    Raymond Rhule

    Marais Schmidt


    New Zealand

    Head Coach: Rob Penney


    Players

    Nathan Harris

    Rhys Marshall

    Fraser Armstrong

    Reuben Northover

    Tuki Raimona

    Eric Sione

    Ofa Tu'ungafasi

    Joe Latta

    Christian Lloyd

    Nick Ross

    Hugh Blake

    Jake Heenan

    Taniela Manu

    Glenn Preston

    Jimmy Tupou

    Jordan Taufua

    Bryn Hall

    Jono Kitto

    Scott Eade

    Ihaia West

    Opetera Peleseuma

    Ambrose Curtis

    Marnus Hanley

    Milford Keresoma

    Matt Proctor

    Junior Va'a Tofa

    Marty McKenzie

    Pita Ahki

    Jason Emery

    R
    Rugby 452 days ago

    Just for information -facts only please.

    This shows a sustained pattern. this is 2012 and 2023, but carbon copy al the year inbetween. 15-20% of team.

    Pasifika rugby player poaches, been doing it for years and years. Player born outside on NZ and subbed in to prop up the Pacific Lions world class coaching and development system.


    2012 U20 IRB Junior World Championship

    1. Aniseto Ofa He Moori Tuʻungafasi born in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga

    2. Taniela Manu - Tongan

    3. Ope Peleseuma - born in Apia, Samoa

    4. Milford Keresoma- born in Samoa

    5. Junior Va'a Tofa- Samoa


    2023 RWC squad.

    1. Samisoni Frank Simpson Taukei'aho - Tongatapu, Tonga

    2. Nepo Eti Laulala - Moto'otua, Samoa

    3. Aniseto Ofa He Moori Tuʻungafasi - Nukuʻalofa, Tonga

    4. Leicester Ofa Ki Wales Twickenham Fainga'anuku - Nukuʻalofa, Tonga

    5. Emoni Narawa - Suva, Fiji

    6. Shannon Michael Frizell - Folaha, Tonga

    W
    Wayneo 452 days ago

    Guys, stop giving all our secrets away.

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