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

The Springboks are looking for a flyhalf who can drive their attack, whether it's Handre Pollard or Damian Willemse.

Pollard has been the Boks' first-choice flyhalf for the past few years, but Willemse has impressed in his recent outings at flyhalf.

Both players have different strengths and weaknesses, but Bok coach Jacques Nienaber says he is looking for a flyhalf who can control the game and make good decisions.

Pollard is a more experienced player, having played over 60 Tests for the Boks.

He is a good goal-kicker and has a strong tactical kicking game.

However, Pollard is not as mobile as Willemse and can sometimes be slow to react to the defence.

Willemse is a more attacking player, with good running skills and a strong passing game.

He is also a good goal-kicker and has a good tactical kicking game.

However, Willemse is not as experienced as Pollard and can sometimes be error-prone.

Nienaber says he is not looking for a 'like-for-like' replacement for Pollard.

He says he is looking for a flyhalf who can bring something different to the team.

“We are looking for a player who can control the game and make good decisions,” Nienaber said.

“We are not looking for a like-for-like replacement for Handre. We are looking for a player who can bring something different to the team.”