Stick says Springboks 'in a good space with flyhalves' ahead of Tonga clash

In Marseille

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said Handre Pollard's return isn't just massive from a playing perspective, but one that swells up the team's leadership and flyhalf stocks.

Pollard, who last played for the Boks against Australia in Adelaide last year, will be starting at 10 for Sunday's game against Tonga at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Pollard's been kept out of Bok action through knee and calf injuries, something that allowed Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse to develop excellently at flyhalf.

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However, Pollard's absence left a goalkicking void that's seen the responsibilities being rotated, with the team coming a cropper in the 19-16 and 13-8 losses against Ireland where goalkicking was the difference.

Stick said Pollard has always remained an integral part of their setup and he'll be invaluable going forward.  

"It's good to have Pollard back and that adds to the leadership in our squad," Stick said.

"Leadership is one of the strengths in our squad and even if a guy like Bongi Mbonambi is not on the pitch, there are guys like Duane Vermeulen and Eben Etzebeth who have led the team before in the past two seasons.

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"We rotate the leadership among the players, but having Handre back is massive for our squad, even though it's said we don't have Malcolm here.

"Having Pollard back is a big boost for us and the guys who have played at 10 have been doing very well for us.

"I know there was a focus on goalkicking, but Handre has done the job for us in the past, with the Wales game being an example of his kicking excellence.

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