Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has described working alongside new attack coach, Tony Brown as “enjoyable” as the Boks go in search of their fifth straight Rugby Championship victory against Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday (23:00). 

 Pollard, who donned the number 10 jersey against the All Blacks in round four, has been selected and will look to play a pivotal role in a reshuffled team. 

In the 10 changes made by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, the Leicester Tigers man is among five players who have retained their starting places from the team that defeated New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town. 

It’s forwards, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Jasper Wiese, along with centre Jesse Kriel, and Pollard. This weekend, the two-time Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf will lead a new-looking backline featuring Aphelele Fassi, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, and Kurt-Lee Arendse who’s returning from a concussion injury. 

To fire on all cylinders will be the main item on the agenda for Pollard and Co., as they’ll look to further carry on the attacking revolution of Tony Brown, a coach Pollard said he’s enjoying working with. “We’ve enjoyed it a lot, it’s been fresh – We had a great foundation, and Tony just came in and has taken it to the next level,” said Pollard during a press conference on Monday. 

“Of course, it’s a process and it’s still going to take some time for it to be where we want it to be.

“He’s just unlocked skill sets all over the field, forwards are using more skills than just running straight lines – it’s really fun. 

“I think there’s so many opportunities for us now and the more we can create space for our outside backs, the better because we probably have the best outside backs in the world.” 

 Pollard’s start against the Los Pumas will be his second in this year’s campaign after he was leapfrogged by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has since suffered a knee injury. 

 His role this season has been more of a leadership, and mentorship one to the younger players coming into the Bok fold. He said he’s enjoyed helping out the likes of Feinberg-Mngomezulu find their feet in International rugby. 

 “It’s fun – these guys are so exciting, and they’re eager to learn which is nice,” he revealed. “Just like when we were young, guys helped us – the good thing is that there’s healthy competition in the group in every position, but we all have the same goal, and it’s always bigger than the individual.

“We can help the young guys with one or two things, that’s great, and we are certainly learning a lot as well as older guys.

“We’re always trying to develop and stay fresh, trying new things, and the young guys bring that – it’s enjoyable and competitive but it’s just really good.” 

 A win for the Boks against Argentina on Saturday will seal the Rugby Championship title with one round remaining. It will also see Erasmus’s side win the trophy for the first time since 2019. 

Springbok team to face Argentina in Santiago del Estero: Aphelele Fassi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat ©️, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. 

 Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels,Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Manie Libbok.