Despite Handré Pollard’s ten points with the boot, Leicester Tigers still lost 29 – 25 against Harlequins in a Gallagher Premier League match.
The Tigers’ South African flyhalf was in the spotlight with two goal kicks and two penalties, while his excellent passing also played a role in one of Freddie Steward’s tries.
Another World Cup winner, eighth-man Jasper Wiese, was in Leicester’s starting team while André Esterhuizen counted among Harlequins’ substitutes.
Tyrone Green, the quick-footed fullback who made his mark with the Lions, scored one of Harlequins’ tries.
Still, Pollard’s star should shine very brightly after the recent World Cup tournament in France.
The 29-year-old flyhalf did not miss a single set-piece in the Springboks’ play-off matches at the Stade de France.
The Tigers on the prowl ????
Freddie Steward marks his @LeicesterTigers return with a try to put his side in front ????
Watch live on @rugbyontnt ????#GallagherPrem | #LEIvHAR pic.twitter.com/ARPyMkKbH9
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) November 11, 2023
Pollard scored 33 points in the rugby spectacle. This includes his five points against France in the quarter-final, his eight points against England in the semi-final and of course all 12 of the Boks’ points in the final against New Zealand.
The no.10 boasts a total of 195 points in his three World Cup rugby tournaments, which means he is currently the player who has scored the third most points in World Cup rugby. That’s more than legendary All Black flyhalf Daniel Carter (191) and just as much as former Australian flyhalf Michael Lynagh.
According to the Webb Ellis winner, confidence is the key to his set-piece success.
“I have faith in my teammates and they have faith in me. When you miss a set-piece, it’s not the end of the world for us. That’s just not how we approach things,” Pollard said.
- Scorers:
Harlequins: Tries: Dino Lamb (2), Alex Dombrandt, Tyrone Green and Will Porter. Goals: Marcus Smith.
Leicester Tigers: Freddie Steward (2) and Hanro Liebenberg. Goals: Handré Pollard (2). Penalties: Pollard (2).
Taking flight AGAIN????
Tyrone Green has pulled off another spectacular finish for @Harlequins ????#GallagherPrem | #LEIvHAR pic.twitter.com/UTh1s9lmwc
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) November 11, 2023
