Concern over Bok flyhalf Pollard after late withdrawal from Premiership semi-final

The Springboks will be concerned over the fitness of flyhalf Handre Pollard, who was a late withdrawal from Leicester Tigers' Premiership Rugby semi-final against Sale Sharks on Sunday.

Pollard, 29, was pulled out shortly before kick-off with an undisclosed injury, with veteran Jimmy Gopperth taking his No 10 jersey.

The Bok pivot has struggled with injuries of late and he also missed the Springboks' end-of-year tour to the UK and France in 2022 due to a knee problem.

Handré Pollard is out of today's semi-final against @SaleSharksRugby.Jimmy Gopperth will start at fly-half and Charlie Atkinson comes into the matchday squad on the bench. #SALvLEI ?? #COYT ?? pic.twitter.com/hKkMYo1aeo

The World Cup winner has been a key cog for Leicester though and he helped them win the Premiership title last season.

But they bowed out on Sunday, losing 21-13 to Sale.

Saracens beat Northampton Saints 38-15 in the other semi-final.

The final is scheduled for Twickenham on 27 May.

?? 2023 FINALISTS ??@Saracens ?? @SaleSharksRugby ?? 27 May?? TwickenhamBacking?#GallagherPremFinal tickets ??