Target acquired? No panic for Pollard ahead of URC grand final

If your life was on the line, many would pick Pollard to kick the goal that saved it. His incredible efforts at the 2023 Rugby World Cup - where he kicked 13/13 in three one-point victories for the Springboks - was career difining and propelled Pollard into the GOAT conversation.

Last Saturday, the sharpshooter helped the Bulls to a narrow 22-21 semifinal win over the Glasgow Warriors. But only just. Pollard only managed to land three kicks from seven attempts, leaving 11 points on the field. This is unacceptable for a player of his calibre and Pollard was the first one to acknowledge it.

"I was terrible last weekend," quipped the double World Cup winner.

"You have those days, and you've got to be able to put it aside and see it for what it is. I would like to think I've had more good days than bad days in my career, so I have been there before.

"As frustrating and disappointing as it was, I know what to do. You go back to your normal routine and the system that you know works for you, and you just get back on the horse and work hard again."

Given the Bulls' slow poison, Glasgow had scant opportunities in the second half, negating Pollard's wavering radar. But for the superstar pivot, it's water under the bridge.

"The nice thing about rugby is you get another opportunity in a week's time, and I am excited for it," continued Pollard.

"It's not a confidence thing. Each kick is what it is - a kick. I had a good look back, and it's small little technical tweaks. It's something I picked up afterwards, which I can fix pretty quickly. It's nothing major.

"I will just go straight back into my normal routine that I do every single week - just trusting my process. It has worked for me in the past, and I am sure it will work again."

The indomitable Leinster host the Bulls at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday 19 June.