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'To have moments like that as a fly-half is what you live for'
By Ian Cameron
Replacement South Africa flyhalf Handre Pollard has praised the Springboks never say die attitude as they clinched a remarkable comeback win over England to book a final berth against the All Blacks next week.
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England collapsed to an agonising 16-15 defeat against South Africa at the Stade de France as they allowed a place in Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand to slip from their grasp.
Steve Borthwick’s men led by nine points in the final quarter but their wet-weather masterclass began to fade as the ‘Bomb Squad’ made their presence felt for the Springboks, especially in the scrum.
It was on the back of their set-piece ascendancy and the generalship of Pollard that the tables turned in a sodden Paris.
RG Snyman barged over for the only try of the match in the 70th minute and Pollard nailed a tricky conversion, setting up heart-stopping finish to a Test that was enthralling throughout.
The world champions were still two points behind but up stepped man-of-the-match Pollard to land the killer blow with two minutes left, nailing a penalty from just inside England’s half.
“Firstly the scrum penalty, that is what got us the opportunity,” said Pollard. “It was just a credit to them, they were unbelievable, It was a big moment but it is what you want as a player on this stage, to have moments like that as a fly-half is what you live for. It was fun.”
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“It’s unbelievable, it’s a lot of relief in this moment. Frustrated we weren’t at our best tonight, especially in that first half. We knew we had so much more to give but fair play to England, I think they put us under pressure in exactly the right areas. But jeez the fight we showed never giving up, it is what we stand for as a team and as a nation.”
“We stuck to our plan we just had to execute a bit better here and there. We took it play-by-play, minute-by-minute, you can’t look too far into the future in these kind of games. It took us a long time but we got it done.”
Must say. Manu looking good in a Bok jersey. 😉
The tuff grind of 2015 RWC semi final - SAF V NZ
All Blacks defence denied SAF any tries while Handre Pollard 4 penalties kept them in the game. Dan Carter after the restart steals the ball , passes to Nonu who draws 2 defenders before putting B.Barret in for a try in the corner. Final score 20- 18 to ABs.
That’s what fly halves are meant to do, set up tries. The ABs have fly halve Richie Mounga with incredible talent and vision.
Can't beat aimlessly kicking the ball away as a 10 in a knock out game.
Attitude wins …. “It was fun” (well, for the Bokke supporter only once the final whistle blew)
Justice has prevailed, as Nobody from That side of the draw deserved to be in the final.
Boks supporter but hey have to Feel for England. They deserved this one without a doubt. They are unlucky 😔
Cruel when we the best team on the day bows out. Boks stole this one. Credit England as Nd massive massive respect. Well do so one Owen F. Boks should be e proud of Ox and Pollard. Ugly win into a RWC hi gosh…will Take 1/2 a point.