OPEN LETTER to Springboks: Start Pollard and Vermeulen in QF!
Handre Pollard and Duane Vermeulen must start whilst a 7-1 split should not be considered for the Springboks quarter-final clash.
Handre Pollard and Duane Vermeulen must start whilst a 7-1 split should not be considered for the Springboks quarter-final clash.
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Jacques Nienaber has opted to start Jasper Wiese ahead of Duane Vermeulen in the big matches against Scotland and France to date.
Furthermore, Pollard has just returned from a long-term injury lay-off. However, both men must start whilst the 7-1 split should be off the table this time around.
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DEAR SPRINGBOKS, PLEASE START POLLARD AND DUANE – NO 7-1 SPLIT!
Nienaber and Rassie, we know you have a big plan in place for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
However, please heed our call (if you haven’t already) and start Pollard and Vermeulen. Pollard showed his class and form against Tonga, slotting four out of four kicks at goal and showing his composure during a truly promising 50 minute outing. Furthermore, Libbok is the perfect player to bring on to break the game open with his attacking runs into space. Pollard offers less impact off the bench and more composure to start. Meanwhile, Vermeulen was sorely missed against Ireland with the Springboks struggling to win turnovers. In Malcolm Marx’s absence we need another fetcher who can win decisive and potentially match-winning turnovers and Vermeulen is that man. He also brings heap loads of experience and puts huge hits in on defence.
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We need to give ourselves the best chance of winning our likely quarter-final against France and this will certainly give us that.
Finally, please avoid the temptation to use a 7-1 split as that would essentially take out Pollard or Libbok with both players crucial to our game plan right now – Libbok on attack and Pollard for goalkicking, experience and calm.