Pollard or Libbok? Boks looking for 'same player' to drive attack despite differences

The Green and Golds have employed competing styles of play in the last two home matches.

Using a more smash and grab approach against Ireland and a more expansive game against France.

It is a conundrum that faces all international coaches. Whether to play to the strengths of the players at their disposal or to try and force a game plan that has proved successful in recent times.

The Springboks have been no different under Jacques Nienaber, with the team employing competing styles of play in their last two home matches.

They used a more smash and grab approach against Ireland, with a focus on set-piece dominance, kicking and territorial play. Against France, they were more expansive, looking to play with tempo and width.

Pollard vs Libbok

The two contrasting approaches have highlighted the different skillsets of Springbok flyhalves Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse.

Pollard is a more traditional flyhalf, with a strong kicking game and a sound understanding of the game. Willemse is more of a running threat, with a good turn of pace and a strong passing game.

The Springboks have looked like a more complete team with Pollard at flyhalf, but Willemse has shown glimpses of his potential in the No 10 jersey.

Against Ireland, Pollard was instrumental in the Springboks' victory, kicking 15 points and controlling the game with his boot. Against France, Willemse was lively at flyhalf, scoring a try and setting up another.

Nienaber has a big decision to make ahead of the upcoming match against Italy. Does he stick with the more experienced Pollard, or does he give the more exciting Willemse another chance to shine?

Conclusion

It is a tough call, but one that Nienaber will need to get right if the Springboks are to continue their winning ways.

If they want to play a more expansive game, then Willemse is the man for the job. If they want to stick to a more conservative approach, then Pollard is the better option.

Ultimately, it is up to Nienaber to decide which style of play he wants the Springboks to adopt. And once he has made that decision, he needs to pick the flyhalf who is best suited to executing that game plan.