Nienaber defends 4 Bok scrumhalves decision: Handre's fit, but not enough to win a Test

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber defended the decision to pick four scrumhalves in his World Cup 33, saying it allows him to have a selection and versatility cushion in the event of injuries while main flyhalf Handre Pollard gets back to full fitness.

Pollard wasn't named in the 33-man squad that was announced on Tuesday but was placed in the standby group alongside Lukhanyo Am, who injured his knee against Argentina in Buenos Aires last week Saturday.

Nienaber chose to go to the World Cup with Faf de Klerk (who can deputise at flyhalf), Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams (who can deputise at wing), and Cobus Reinach, while only picking one out and out 10 in Manie Libbok, while Damian Willemse can certainly expect to be pressed into service there too. 

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Willie le Roux, as per Nienaber's suggestion, is also expected to be pressed into service at 10 in the event of an injury crisis.

Nienaber said taking three flyhalves to the World Cup is a luxury, not many teams can afford, especially with only four Pool games where all the players need to get a run.

He applied the same theory to a third-choice hooker, even though this selection is generally injury insurance cover more than anything else.

"With Handre over his injury, but, in my opinion, is not fit enough to play and perform and win a Test match for you," Nienaber said.

"He's busy getting there, and remember, when we selected him, the public doesn't give a rat's ass that he hasn't played in 16 weeks.

"He must perform, and he must be the Pollard that won the World Cup in 2019. That's the picture of the Pollard they want.

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