1
'The halfback probably already knows': Ex-All Black not buying Nienaber's sob story
By Kim Ekin
Two former All Blacks have rebuked Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber's explanation over the conspiracy theory floating around over Handre Pollard.
The Springboks head coach was forced to shoot down the "mad" conspiracy theory recently as South Africa's squad departed for the UK for two warm-up games.
Neinaber explained it would be 'heartless' to tell a guy to fake an injury after giving him the green light to attend the World Cup just so Pollard can make the squad.
“I’m not on social media, so I didn’t know about it, but our media guys told us about this massive conspiracy," Nienaber said at the time.
“But how can you pick a guy in the World Cup squad – if you have a heart – and then tell him to fake an injury and get the other guy in? I mean, that’s mad. We would never do that.”
But former All Black wing Jeff Wilson wasn't buying Nienaber's heartfelt explanation and claimed the fourth halfback "already knows" that he will have to give up his spot to Pollard once the flyhalf returns to fitness.
"I look a them [Pollard and Lukhanyo Am] and anticipate they are going to be part of it," Wilson said on Sky Sport's The Breakdown.
"I'm not surprised that they are playing these sorts of games. He'll be ready.
"And they're saying he's ready, so he'll be in that squad."
Ex-All Black John Kirwan could only bluntly ask "so they will just get rid of one of the halfbacks?" to which Wilson responded "the halfback probably already knows".
Kirwan himself couldn't understand why the Springboks are bringing nine extra non-squad players over for the two warm-up fixtures against Wales and New Zealand.
"I don't understand why you would take nine people over," Kirwan said.
"If Pollard is going to recover, just name him in your side."
Wilson further explained just how South Africa are able to add Pollard and Am once they get to full fitness.
The World Cup squads are not finalised despite being named already by the union bodies.
"So what they can do, just so you are aware, these squads are not official squads until they arrive in France the week of the tournament," Wilson said.
"The most interesting thing he [Nienaber] said was "we believe that both will have the potential to be fit and ready to go for the Scotland game", the opening game.
"So they are in recovery mode but clearly he thinks they are going to be fit and available.
"I'm anticipating that their squad is going to be very different by the time they arrive in France."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
The impact Townsend will have on Lions despite missing Farrell's team
3
Leicester lose out on first-choice Michael Cheika replacement
4
Aaron Smith and ‘three or four other All Blacks’ keen to play for AUNZ
5
Latest Comments
John Mitchell was NZs coach at the mens RWC 2003. He oversaw our second worst result. I genuinely wish the Red Roses all the best but they need an English coach who understands your game, your players and your mentality. JM is not the person
for the job.
Go to commentsI think when you think of expanding the game you need to look at countries like Spain.
Their improvement in 7s and 15s has been significant. If you can breakthrough in Spain then that is a seismic moment for world rugby. But will world rugby see this? Or continue with its money making agenda for Tier1s via ‘Nations Cups’ and it’s Mickey Mouse ‘World Cup’ which has been hithero a boasting rights tournament for a couple of teams.
Go to comments