21 October 2023 , 07:30
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Steve Borthwick will come up against Handre Pollard in Saturday's World Cup semi-final, having signed the South Africa star when he was in charge of Leicester Tigers.
The now England boss was on the lookout for a replacement for the world class George Ford last summer and went after South Africa's World Cup winning fly-half. Pollard had big offers on the table, but opted for Leicester after hailing the "no bulls***" approach that Borthwick bought.
The pair only worked together for a matter of months before Borthwick got the call from England, where he'd previously been an assistant coach, as he replaced Eddie Jones less than a year out from the World Cup.
Borthwick's coaching career has seen him enjoy a rapid rise and the 44-year-old's ethics resonated with Pollard. He said previously: “Look, there is no bull s***ing around this, there were bigger deals on the table but I have made this decision to work with Steve and to be a part of an unreal, great club at Leicester Tigers which has such a great history in rugby. That is what excites me, being a part of what is happening at this club under Steve.
“He has a very clear vision for what he wants and what he expects. I want that. There is no bulls*** with him. I respect that. He is straight up and that is what I love about a head coach, straight in your face, whether you like it or not, and I want that, I respect that.”
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Ellis Genge, a leading member of the current England squad, also worked under Borthwick at Leicester before making the move to Bristol Bears. Whilst at Welford Road he won the Premiership and the prop was full of praise for how the England boss goes about his business.
Handre Pollard left France to join up with Leicester Tigers last season"I probably did think that I wouldn’t be coached by him again, so I’m buzzing to be working back with Steve and Kev," he said when he arrived as England coach. Genge also added: "He speaks calmly and he knows what he’s trying to get across, and he makes a very good point of doing that."
Borthwick's approach has led England to the last four despite an underwhelming Six Nations and poor preparation that saw them win just one of four games. They are massive underdogs against South Africa however as the Springboks target a four successIve win over England at the World Cup.
Borthwick was in the coaching box as Jones' assistant when South Africa outclassed England in the final at the last World Cup four years ago. On that occasion Pollard kicked 22 of his side's 32 points.