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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 383 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

W
Wayneo 383 days ago

Guys, stop giving all our secrets away.

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