Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber is weeks away from leading his country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

An integral member of the 2019 World Cup-winning coaching team, Nienaber knows just what it takes to achieve at the highest level. 

While his coaching pedigree is renowned, it is Nienaber’s experience as a qualified physiotherapist that is perhaps one of his most underrated assets. 

This background and experience with the human body offers the Boks boss an interesting advantage when it comes to selecting players. 

While there is no doubt that every international setup has highly qualified medical personnel, the selection of a team remains with the coaches. 

Having the ability to accurately assess health data as a head coach could explain why, at times, the Springboks management has zigged when the public would've expected them to zag. 

Speaking about Pollard, Nienaber said to South African media outlet News 24, “There are a lot of rumors flying around about the squad, about this plot that we’re going to take four scrumhalves, and we’re going to put Handre in. 

“But, if you have a heart, how do you pick a guy and then tell him to fake an injury and get the other guy in? We would never do that. If there are no injuries, the whole 33 will go and come back. 

“Handre is not injured now, and he trained with us for two sessions, but he’s still on his way back from a fitness perspective. He is at about 20% to 25% of the loads, having done an attack and defense session. 

“It’s like having to prepare for the Comrades in three weeks, but only running 10 kilometers in a week. You might walk and make it, but there will be luck involved.”