Rassie Erasmus masterplan: Breyton Paulse dismisses Henry Pollock hype ahead of Boks test

The hype around Henry Pollock of England is exactly what rugby needs, says former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse.

The Springboks’ first Test of the year is shaping up to be far more than just another season-opening international, with England youngster Henry Pollock adding extra spice to what promises to be a blockbuster clash at Ellis Park (kick-off 5.40pm) on Saturday.

Ahead of Saturday’s encounter, former Bok wing Breyton Paulse believes the hype surrounding Pollock and his showdown with the world champions is exactly what rugby needs, but insists it will not distract the four-time Webb Ellis Cup winners.

South Africa will face England, Scotland and Wales over the next three weekends in the first edition of the Nations Championship. After those clashes, Argentina await in a once-off match before the Greatest Rivalry tour against the All Blacks arrives on local shores.

“That England game is the perfect kick-off in terms of what awaits this season on the Springboks,” Paulse said.

“I love how the media is hyping up the whole thing with Pollock ahead of this match. It is good for rugby and a bit different. It is not the conservative stuff that we are used to week in and week out; this spices things up, and it is great.

“Pollock will know that everyone’s eyes are on him, whether he starts or comes off the bench. However, the Springboks are in a privileged position, and they won’t worry about these things. I don’t think a guy like Pieter-Steph (du Toit) will have sleepless nights about a Pollock.

“The Boks are focused and only worried about themselves.”

Pollock already stirred the pot when England departed for South Africa from Heathrow last week. He posted on Instagram, saying, "See you soon", alongside a South African flag and blood emoji.

The 21-year-old has been praised and criticised for his colourful on-and-off-the-field antics. However, what matters most is what happens between the four lines on Saturday in Johannesburg. While much of the attention has been on Pollock, Paulse is equally excited to see what Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe has in store this weekend.

Against the Barbarians, Kolbe impressed with his goal-kicking, while he also popped up at scrumhalf to score a fine try.

“He is the world’s best player for me currently, he can do everything,” Paulse added.

“If asked by Rassie, he could probably anchor the scrum too,” the former winger said jokingly.

“However, he kicks, he scores, he plays nine, throws in at line-out time. He does everything on the field. He has become such a valuable player for the Springboks, and there is not a lot more to add about his worth to the Boks.”