Handre Pollard is relishing the opportunity to tackle a few Springbok teammates when the Leicester Tigers and Sharks clash in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday.
Speaking in the buildup to the Welford Road match, the veteran playmaker is clear-eyed about the challenge awaiting the Tigers as Michael Cheika’s charges look to open their account in this season’s competition.
The English outfit went down to Bordeaux-Begles in France last week while the Sharks beat Exeter Chiefs with a bonus point in Durban.
Pollard on Saturday is set to face Sharks flyhalves Siya Masuku and Jordan Hendrikse, who started at 10 for the Boks against Wales in November.
“Jordan’s got a great head on his shoulders, he’s an all-round player. He’s got a bit of everything,” Pollard said.
The World Cup-winning pivot approaches this week’s showdown as a collaborative challenge: “We all try to get the best out of each other.”
Pollard acknowledges the competitive spirit will be high, as he potentially crosses swords with fellow Bok world champions such as Siya Kolisi.
“We like playing against each other and we always go extra hard when we do,” he said.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
