The Springboks may be double World Cup champions, but they have not unlocked all their potential yet on attack, and they certainly can improve even more over the next few seasons.
Bok flyhalf Handre Pollard believes that the national side have more they can improve on and unleash in terms of a potent attack, and knows that this process is not only ongoing but will be tested in the series against Italy, starting at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The introduction of former All Black Tony Brown as attacking coach already paid off dividends last season as the Boks kept their World Rugby No 1 ranking with a victory in the Rugby Championship, but the team know they are prime targets as the game heads towards the next World Cup in Australia in 2027 and they need to improve.
Pollard believes the game is shifting and the old adage that 'defence wins championships' may still apply, but it won’t be enough to win in future as teams are evolving their attack to become a lot more dangerous.
ATTACKING TREND
That attacking trend can be seen across the world and the Boks know they not only have to be able to keep up with it, but set some trends in this regard as well.
“For a few years defence was overpowering everything and guys had to get a lot more creative on attack and now you are seeing that teams’ attacking games are getting better and teams are scoring a lot more points, which is making it more difficult for defences,” Pollard said.
“We enjoy it as players, every team has its own way of doing it, but we trust ours and we think it is the best for us as a team. But it is a good thing and I’m sure the supporters enjoy it as well, its tough when you have to defend against it, but trust me it is a good thing.”
Pollard added the players believe there is still a lot of room for improvement and that they haven’t “unlocked” their potential just yet, but they are moving in the right direction.
“With Brownie every week is a next step, he is such an evolving coach and is always looking for something extra. It is really refreshing working with him, it is a lot of fun.
“We haven’t unlocked all our potential yet, and I think this team has a lot more in it, but again it will take time but the more we play together, the more it will come together. We have unbelievable players, the more time and space we can create for the players outside it will come together.”
Handre Pollard will start in the 🔟 jersey this weekend against Italy.
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 2, 2025
Loftus will also be his new home after signing with the Bulls for the new season 🟦#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/MiUl0HPGKW
FUNDAMENTALS WON’T CHANGE
He added that while attack is a key approach at the moment, the fundamentals of Springbok rugby won’t change.
They are simply looking for some more magic to add to an already impressive basis for success.
“Defences are still key to winning World Cups and competitions. That will be the core fundamental of any team still, as well as a kicking game. I just think there was a lot of room for improvement on attack over the last few years,” Pollard explained.
“Back in the day the New Zealand teams may have been unlocking that a bit earlier and we were trusting our defence and kicking game at that time. We have since seen there is another layer to us and we can unlock our attack as well. It is not massive, it is not crazy, but it is just minor adjustments here and there.
“At the core of our game will always be our physicality and being direct. That is who we are as a nation and as a team, and we will never shy away from that. Our set-piece dominance is going to be key to any game we are going to play. But if we can sprinkle something extra onto our attack, just to take us to the next level, that is our goal.”
The Boks will have their next opportunity to implement their changes against Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.