Handre Pollard has made his intentions clear over his Springboks future, with the double World Cup winner not ready to walk away from Test rugby.
The 32-year-old returned to the starting XV against Australia in Perth on Sunday after recovering from the calf injury that ruled him out of the recent series against the All Blacks.
However, his comeback ended in disappointment as the Springboks suffered a shock 42-38 defeat.
The result has already raised questions over several established names, with RUCK looking at four Springboks who could now be fighting for their international futures.
Pollard had been handed another opportunity in the No.10 shirt after watching Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu emerge as a major contender for the jersey.
Despite the growing competition for places, Pollard has now confirmed he remains determined to reach the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Pollard makes future clear
Speaking ahead of the Australia clash, Pollard was directly asked whether playing at another World Cup remains his target.
“I wouldn't be standing here today if that wasn't the case,” he said.
“That is the ultimate goal, and something we all value greatly: the World Cup.”
Pollard also acknowledged that, as players get older, they become increasingly aware their international careers can end at any time.
In his wide-ranging interview about his Springboks future and 2027 ambitions, the fly-half made it clear he still has plenty he wants to achieve.
It means retirement from international rugby is not currently in Pollard's plans.
The experienced fly-half knows there are no guarantees, though, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok providing serious competition.
According to his official Springboks player profile, Pollard has accumulated vast Test experience since making his international debut in 2014.
He has also played a major role in South Africa's last two Rugby World Cup triumphs.
Latest setback
His latest opportunity came after another frustrating injury spell.
Pollard suffered a calf tear ahead of the second Test of the All Blacks series, which effectively ended his involvement in the four-match contest.
“It was unfortunate,” Pollard explained.
“I had a small calf tear. I knew it wasn't too serious, but I knew it was probably going to keep me out for the rest of the series.”
He admitted missing such a major series was a “massive disappointment”, but his focus quickly shifted towards getting back onto the pitch.
Pollard finally returned against Australia, but it proved to be a difficult afternoon for South Africa.
Several Springboks struggled during the defeat, something reflected in RUCK's player ratings from the chaotic clash with Australia.
The result also had consequences beyond the match itself, with South Africa's defeat producing another change in the latest World Rugby rankings.
Competition for the No.10 shirt
Pollard's battle is not simply about staying fit.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu's emergence has increased the competition for the Springboks No.10 jersey, while Libbok remains another experienced option available to Erasmus.
Pollard, though, believes that competition can help him.
Speaking about South Africa's younger fly-halves, he said having players trying to take his position is a “very healthy thing” and helps motivate everyone to improve.
The veteran also accepts that reaching another World Cup will ultimately depend on his performances over the next 12 months.
Pollard will be 33 when the 2027 Rugby World Cup gets underway in Australia.
For now, his decision is clear.
He isn't ready to call time on his Springboks career and remains determined to give himself the chance to chase an extraordinary third successive World Cup title.
Read also
Five things you didn’t know about Handre Pollard, including £1m salary and childhood sweetheart
Handre Pollard is already one of the most decorated players in Springboks history.
The fly-half has won back-to-back Rugby World Cups and scored some of the biggest points of South Africa’s golden era.
But away from his achievements on the pitch, there are plenty of things supporters might not know about the Springboks star.
1. He married his childhood sweetheart
Pollard married Marise Malherbe in 2017, with the pair having known each other since their school years in South Africa.
They have regularly shared glimpses of their life together away from rugby.
2. He became a dad in 2024
Pollard and Marise welcomed their first child in 2024.
Their son, Hunter André Pollard, was born in April, with the couple announcing the news on social media.
3. He played at a World Cup aged 20
Pollard was only 20 when he represented South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Despite his age, he became a key player for the Springboks and finished the tournament with 93 points.
South Africa eventually finished third after losing their semi-final against New Zealand.
4. He landed a huge deal in France
Pollard left the Bulls for Montpellier in 2019 in one of the biggest moves of his career.
His contract was widely reported to be worth around £1million per season, putting him among the highest-paid rugby players in the world at the time.
He later moved to Leicester Tigers before returning to South Africa.
5. He scored every Springboks point in the 2023 World Cup final
Pollard produced one of the defining performances of his career against New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
The fly-half kicked four penalties as South Africa secured a dramatic 12-11 victory in Paris.
That meant Pollard scored every single Springboks point in the final as they became the first nation to win the men's Rugby World Cup four times.
