Dan Carter expecting Handre Pollard to start at fly-half for South Africa in World Cup final

All Blacks legend Dan Carter feels South Africa should start with veteran Handre Pollard at fly-half for the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa scheduled on Saturday.

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber opted for Manie Libbok to start in the semi-final against England but was replaced in the 31st minute by Pollard, whose introduction made a massive difference to the game including a match-winning penalty goal in the closing stage to help his side reach the final with a 16-15 victory.

Admitting Libbok is talented, Carter, who won the 2011 and 2015 World Cups with New Zealand reckons the experience of Pollard will be pivotal to South Africa's chances of defending the title.

“[In the semi-final against England the Springboks] needed someone who would be calm, clear and decisive in a big game with World Cup experience. That is why they had Pollard on the bench. If he will be on the bench this week, it’s highly unlikely. Just to have that depth and control.

“I think with the pressure, the experience of Pollard in such a big occasion, with the hurt and learnings he had from 2015, he’s been on both sides, successful and unsuccessful campaigns,” Carter added. “He’s really going to play a key part, having that experience out there right out from the get-go.

“It’s a tough one to take for Libbok but he has been a fantastic player, in different conditions, dry conditions, when it’s a bit more open.”