Watch VideoHandré Pollard backs ‘unbelievable’ Embrose Papier for Springbok recall

Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard has hailed Embrose Papier’s “unbelievable” form and X-factor after a string of match-winning performances. Photo: Backpagepix Bulls flyhalfHandré Pollardhas had a front-row seat to witness the resurgence ofEmbrose Papierthis season, and he says the scrumhalf could be in for a recall if he keeps his foot on the accelerator. Papier has had a curious international career — in 2018, he was initiallyRassie Erasmus’ first-choice No 9, playing seven games, but then vanished from the scene.

He has not been back at the Boks since, despite some eye-catching performances for the Bulls, and at the Bok alignment camp in March, Erasmus preferred several much younger players. “When it comes to Emi, I can’t give him any advice at the moment,” Pollard said. “He must just carry on playing the way he is playing.

“He is playing unbelievable rugby and has an incredibly important role in our team at the moment. He must just carry on doing what he is doing.” Papier has won a series of Player of the Match awards while notching up some sensational tries. The 28-year-old could not have made a more convincing riposte to Erasmus for the continued ignorance.

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Papier’s individual brilliance in scoring two superb solo tries was arguably the difference between his team winning and losing to Munster at Loftus Versfeld. The Bulls won 34-31 and were outscored five tries to four. Pollard added: “The Boks are the Boks.

It is in none of our hands. They will choose who they want and who they think is the right person. “Emi must just carry on doing his thing and work hard, like all of us.

Those things are out of your control.” “He’s incredibly important for us at the Bulls,” he said. “He’s taken his game to another level. “He’s always had that X-factor, but his fundamentals are unbelievably good now.

He also creates something out of nothing. I really enjoy playing with him. He takes a lot of pressure off me and creates a lot of opportunities for us.”

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