Pollard - Boks have been simulating pressure situations
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard says the team is mentally prepared for a must-win game with Italy in their third pool game of the Rugby World Cup.
Friday night’s match at the Shizuoka Stadium has essentially become the Springboks first real knockout game of the tournament, as a loss to Italy would make it impossible for South Africa to progress to the quarterfinals.
It was an eventuality that the Bok management had prepared for in the build up to the competition, considering that a clash with the All Blacks first up could mean a loss to start off with.
That result is already in the record books and the Springboks have had to come to terms with the fact that they pretty much have to win their remaining six games to win the competition.
Last weekend’s clash with Namibia was a foregone conclusion before kickoff but that is not the case with Italy this week. While more than three years have passed since the Azzurri beat the Springboks in Rome, the Springboks are preparing for this match like a knockout.
Speaking from their base in Shizuoka, Springbok playmaker Handre Pollard said the team has become accustomed to adopting a knockout rugby mentality.
“It is what is. We knew after the All Blacks loss it’s pretty simple - six games and six wins. We know that and we’ve been treating a lot of games in the last two years like knockout games. I think the Rugby Championship also prepared us well,” Pollard said.
READ: Boks pick Lood, Bongi and Beast for Italy clash
“We try to hype up certain games to make more pressure internally so we could experience the situation that we are in now. I feel the boys are well prepared for whatever pressure there is to come. It’s about pitching up on Friday night and producing, you can’t let the pressure get to you.”
Wet weather to consider
On Monday Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot highlighted the threat that the Italian pack poses, likening the challenge to a clash with the All Blacks.
Throw in a 60 percent forecast of rain and margins become tighter and the set piece battle becomes even more important.
That also places a big emphasis on the accuracy of the Springboks kicking game this week. It was a facet of play that was slightly below par against the All Blacks two weeks ago. Pollard agreed that he has a big job to do in Shizuoka.
“The forwards have their own beast to battle this weekend, it’s no secret that it’s going to be a big battle upfront. The weather also looks like it’s going to be wet so that’s going to make it a bit tougher,” Pollard said.
“Tactically myself and whoever is at 9 and 15 positions have to control the game and make sure we play at the right end of the field and when we have opportunities to convert them.”
Catch up on the latest Rugby World Cup updates powered by Hollywoodbets
