Pollard’s comeback cut short

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Handre Pollard has likely confirmed Jacques Nienaber’s worst fears after the injury-plagued Springbok flyhalf’s debut for Leicester Tigers ended prematurely.

Pollard, whose Rugby Championship campaign was cut short due to a knee injury, was one of three half-time changes made by Leicester coach Steve Borthwick against Saracens on Saturday.

However, the 28-year-old – with his right knee heavily strapped – lasted only 27 minutes as he was withdrawn 13 minutes before the Tigers’ 51-18 defeat, with an unexplained injury.

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Nienaber was already doubtful that Pollard would be available for the Boks’ November tour, yet the 63-Test-cap pivot was more optimistic after undergoing further assessment with the Tigers.

“The body is good,” he told Leicestershire Live last week. “I’m working hard, it’s really feeling good, so we will see how we go on from here.

“We’re still taking it day by day. We’ve still got a couple of boxes to tick but I am very excited and optimistic. I should be good to go for the end-of-year series.”

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Photo: @LeicesterTigers/Twitter

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Devin Hermanus