Boks have no scars despite long winless streak against Ireland, says Pollard

South Africa's Handre Pollard during the 2019 Rugby World Cup final

Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard says that the Springboks won’t be seeking ‘revenge’ for last year’s 13-8 loss to Ireland in Paris during World Cup pool play, but that they are determined to get a positive result.

The Boks have beaten every major nation in the past three years except Ireland. It’s a blemish that they are underplaying publicly, but which will almost certainly be used in their motivation for the Loftus Versfeld clash.

The sides have only met three times in the last seven years with Ireland winning all three. In the same period for instance, the Boks have beaten France three times, and the All Blacks four times.

“When it comes to beating Ireland, of course we want to break that streak, but we’re not driven by that and we’re not putting too much focus on it,” Pollard said.

“We will probably speak about that aspect more on Friday. For now though, the focus has been on the tactical and technical stuff.” Pollard did not play in the Paris defeat, but he has analysed the game and his take away from that was that it has motivated, and not cowed him.

The Boks missed four kicks at goal that day – 11 possible points – which was the difference in the end.

“I thought the boys played very well that day, it was just unfortunate we didn’t convert all our opportunities,” Pollard said from the Boks’ hotel just 2km from Loftus Versfeld.

“We created a lot and didn’t take those opportunities to put them away, so credit to them, they’re a great side.

“It’s not a scar, I think we should take confidence out of that because we were so close that day and we’re back home now.

“The goal-kicking is the goal-kicking, which is a separate aspect of the game.

“We have to focus on playing well and giving ourselves opportunities. If we don’t do that, there won’t be any kicks for goal.

“We know the opportunities are there – they were there in Paris that day as well. But we have to be more composed and try and get something out of every 22m entry we get.

There aren’t going to be a lot of those. They will be few and far between for both teams, so when you get them you will have to be a lot more clinical.” Another part of the Boks’ technical analysis has been focused on Ireland out half Jack Crowley.

Jack Crowley and Ryan Baird train in the South African heat

The youngster has filled the void left by the retired Johnny Sexton admirably, something Pollard mentioned, but he’s still not in the same league as Ireland’s greatest points’ scorer.

“Johnny (Sexton) was massive for them, but Crowley has been very good.” The two-time World Cup-winner Pollard said. “He has stepped up. They needed somebody to fill that role and he has stepped up.

“He is someone we have looked closely at this week. He controls the game and takes the ball to the line well, which makes him a big threat. We will try to look after him as best we can. He has filled that (Sexton) gap very well.” And of course there is the Loftus factor. It’s one of the Boks’ strongholds and will be brimming with more than 50,000 confident supporters, largely fuelled by some refreshments.

Pollard spent seven years at the Bulls from when he left school in 2012 and made his Test debut in 2014 as a 20-year-old as a Bulls player.

“It’s lovely being back at Loftus, it’s a special place and I keep it close to my heart,” Pollard said. “I spent seven good years here and I love playing here. It’s one of the great stadiums in the world to play. It’s sold out, it’s going to be a special atmosphere.

“We definitely can’t just rock up and expect to win though. Home ground advantage will depend on how much brandy the fans drink outside before the game.

“Seriously though, we are really looking forward to it because it’s great to be back home. Loftus is a special place with a special vibe and it will be pretty hostile, which we enjoy. But that doesn’t mean we will automatically get the ‘W’. We are going to have to go out and earn it.”