South African rugby stars Handre Pollard and Andre Esterhuizen are strategically planning for the next Rugby World Cup cycle and engaging in a discourse about the advantages of competing outside of their home country.
Having both recently tasted victory in the World Cup in France, the two players have concluded their seasons in England. Pollard was part of Leicester, while Esterhuizen played for Harlequins, albeit unsuccessfully reaching the Premiership play-offs.
Approaching their mid-thirties, both athletes acknowledge the obstacle of maintaining their physical and competitive edge for another World Cup. Especially Pollard accentuates the imperative of maintaining focus, fitness, and performing at a high level to secure a spot in the subsequent tournament.
Meanwhile, Esterhuizen, who is returning to South Africa to rejoin the Sharks, exudes confidence in his prospects. He is convinced that he still has several years of international rugby left in him and is enthusiastic about leaving his mark on the upcoming World Cup.
Esterhuizen attributes a significant part of his growth as a player to his four-year tenure in English club rugby. He strongly believes that playing in a different environment alongside top-tier players has broadened his skills and understanding of the game. He argues that exposure to diverse playing styles and top-tier players has given him a competitive advantage.
Both players make a compelling case for the value of competing overseas and acquiring experience in different rugby cultures. Esterhuizen underscores the importance of comprehending opponents’ playing styles and tendencies, which can be advantageous during international competitions like the World Cup.
In stark contrast to the experiences of current players, the challenges faced by Springbok legend Naas Botha, who led the South African team out of isolation in 1992, were entirely different. Botha recalls the hardships encountered by the team during their initial tours, including acclimating to new environments, food, and language barriers.
Times have certainly changed, with South African rugby stars now dispersed across various leagues around the world. Pollard concedes that the recent season has been emotionally taxing due to the rigors of professional sports. Nevertheless, he remains resolute in overcoming these challenges and continuing to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead, the Springboks are gearing up for their upcoming Tests against Wales at Twickenham and an eagerly-awaited faceoff with Ireland. Pollard expresses his anticipation about competing at the renowned Twickenham stadium and welcomes the backing of South African fans in the UK. He also acknowledges the formidable competition that Ireland presents, emphasizing the team’s determination to put up a valiant fight.
The discussions with Pollard and Esterhuizen shed light on the evolving nature of international rugby and the significant role of overseas experience in shaping players’ careers and their contributions to the national team.