Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard’s absence is particularly frustrating given his recent experience in English conditions during three successful seasons with the Leicester Tigers. Unhappy Bulls fans are questioning why their star flyhalf, Handré Pollard, is being “rested” for their away Champions Cup match against Northampton, despite having barely played this season. The Bulls named their tour squad for Saturday’s clash at Franklin’s Gardens, with Keegan Johannes and new signing from the Lions, Kade Wolhuter, the two flyhalves selected.
The omission of the two-time World Cup winner was attributed to “Springbok resting protocols”. Supporters are growing restless after a difficult start to the campaign — the Bulls have lost four of their seven matches, including back-to-back defeats at Fortress Loftus. Of those seven games, Pollard has played just twice: the United Rugby Championship loss to Ulster on 7 October and last week’s Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux.
After the heavy 28–7 loss in Belfast, Pollard returned home for the birth of his second child. In November, he was part of the Springboks’ squad but featured in only one of the five Tests — the win over Italy in Turin on 15 November. Between July and September, he made just four Bok appearances.
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That means Pollard has played five Tests out of the 15 South Africa contested between 6 July and 29 November. With that limited workload, some Bulls fans believe his exemption under the resting protocol is questionable. Following their damaging home loss to Bordeaux, the Bulls desperately need an away victory in Northampton.
Pollard’s absence is particularly frustrating given his recent experience in English conditions during three successful seasons with Leicester Tigers and his familiarity with Northampton’s players and style. His omission is further complicated by the fact that Pollard produced some excellent rugby against Bordeaux. Although he made a few late errors, he was otherwise composed and commanding.
Many Bulls supporters want to see their playmaker string together a run of matches to help steady the season. Before Pollard returned to Pretoria on a two-year deal, Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said the franchise had mapped out expected game time. “We realise that part of Handré’s contract is in a World Cup year (2027) and that he will not be on the field the whole time,” Rathbone said.
“It’s a difficult sum to make because you can’t factor in injuries. But we believe he will be able to play a minimum of 15 games per season for the team in the United Rugby Championship and the European competition.” If that projection holds, fans should get their wish, with Pollard expected to feature in 13 of the Bulls’ remaining fixtures before the season concludes around May next year.
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