Handré Pollard is unfazed by his kicking performance at Murrayfield ahead of next Friday night’s Vodacom URC final in Dublin. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The Bulls flyhalf missed three penalty kicks during last week’s semi-final against the Glasgow Warriors – two dragged wide and another that rebounded off an upright.
But he was successful with two conversions as his side overturned a 21-3 deficit to win 22-21 and book their place in a fourth URC final in five seasons, where they will face defending champions Leinster at Croke Park.
Pollard has built a reputation as one of rugby’s most reliable goal-kickers, famously slotting late pressure penalties against France and England during the Springboks’ triumphant 2023 World Cup campaign.
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Speaking on Thursday, the 32-year-old admitted his kicking display in Edinburgh was well below his usual standards.
“Absolutely, I was terrible last weekend with the kicking. But you have those days and you’ve got to be able to put it aside and see it for what it is.
“I’d like to think I’ve had more good days than bad days in terms of kicking during my career, so I’ve been there before.
“As frustrating and disappointing as it was, I know what to do to reset.”
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Rather than dwelling on the missed opportunities, Pollard said he will return to what’s served him well throughout his career.
“You go back to your normal routine, your system that you know works for you, and you get back into the groove.
“The nice thing about rugby is you get another opportunity in a week’s time, so I’m excited for the next opportunity.”
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Pollard also dismissed any suggestion that his off-day with the boot had dented his confidence ahead of the final.
“No, it’s not a confidence thing at all,” he said. “Each kick is just what it is – it’s a kick.
“I had a good look back afterwards and there were one or two small technical tweaks that I picked up, which I can fix pretty quickly. It’s nothing major.
“I’ll just go straight back into my normal routine that I do every single week.
“I trust my process. It’s worked for me in the past and I’m sure it’ll work again.”
The veteran playmaker explained that his goal-kicking preparation has evolved as he’s gained experience.
“I’m definitely more of a rhythm guy. When you’re young, you can kick for hours and hours. As you get older, you’ve got to look after your body and listen to it.
“I have certain things that I want to feel when I kick and, once I’ve felt them, I feel confident and then I stop.
“How many kicks that is isn’t always the same, but I don’t kick for hours.”
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