Experienced flyhalf Handre Pollard said the Springboks were embracing the pressure that comes with a Rugby World Cup semi-final against England at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, and that they thrived on it and viewed it as a privilege.
SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus admits the Springbok coaches are taking a different approach to announcing their team for this weekend's crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final showdown with France.
Former Springbok star Schalk Brits has predicted that Handre Pollard will be the country's first-choice flyhalf going forward.
South African flyhalves Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard were both delighted to come away with 100% kicking records against Tonga on Sunday and believe the Boks have turned the corner in that respect.
Handre Pollard said he is not expecting miracles as he prepares to make his first start for South Africa in more than a year but hopes he can make a valuable contribution.
Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has warned fans not to expect Handre Pollard to last the full 80 minutes against Tonga on Sunday.