Pollock’s hat-trick against Fiji strengthens case for England start
Henry Pollock scored a hat-trick of tries for England in their 73-8 victory over Fiji, a performance that has led to discussions about his potential inclusion in the starting lineup. The 21-year-old’s display at Hill Dickinson Stadium has been noted by observers, with calls for him to feature more prominently in upcoming matches.
Pollock’s three second-half tries against Fiji showcased his speed and ability to find gaps in the defence. This performance has prompted questions about whether Steve Borthwick, England’s coach, should give Pollock a starting role, especially with opportunities for experimentation before the 2027 World Cup becoming limited.
Borthwick, while acknowledging Pollock’s talent, has been non-committal regarding a starting position for the player. He emphasised the team effort in creating scoring opportunities rather than focusing solely on individual performances. Despite this, Pollock’s impact on the field has been described as making England appear more vibrant, particularly when he is allowed to play his natural game.
Pollock’s impact and potential
Pollock’s hat-trick included a moment where he took a short pass from Tom Curry, navigating through the Fijian defence. His second try involved outpacing Salesi Rayasi, and his first came from beating Jiuta Wainiqolo to a grubber kick. These instances highlight his consistent ability to create scoring opportunities.
Beyond his try-scoring, Pollock is recognised for his work rate, including ball-carrying and tackling for Northampton. He is also noted for his accuracy and astuteness around the breakdown, often choosing opportune moments to secure turnovers. His ability to be in the right place at the right time, or to create moments when they don’t naturally arise, distinguishes him on the field.
Former England wing Chris Ashton, commentating on the match, suggested that Pollock should be a starter, citing his speed and ability to disrupt the opposition. Ashton believes that Pollock’s unique style of play could significantly benefit the team.
Pollock’s only start in 12 England caps was against Ireland in this year’s Six Nations, a match where England faced a strong challenge. The balance of the back-row in that game, which included Pollock at number eight alongside Ben Earl and Tom Curry, was reportedly outmuscled.
The match against Fiji, where the opposition was significantly disadvantaged after a red card and a substantial points deficit, provided an ideal environment for Pollock to excel. This context, however, made it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the overall team’s performance.
Looking ahead to Argentina
England’s next match is against Argentina in Santiago del Estero. Borthwick is considering his options for the starting lineup, with suggestions that he should trust the evidence of recent performances. A potential backline could include Benhard van Rensburg and Henry Slade in midfield, with Manny Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman on the wings, and Noah Caluori on the bench.
Borthwick is also contemplating repeating an experiment with Marcus Smith at scrum-half, a position he played after Alex Mitchell’s hamstring injury. This move could provide a strategic advantage, potentially allowing for a 7-1 bench strategy similar to South Africa’s approach.
The England coach has engaged with Premier League managers, including Thomas Tuchel, to understand how they manage expectations and maintain consistency. Borthwick’s interest lies in how to build on success and identify areas for improvement, even after significant wins.
The team’s focus is on developing an attacking style of rugby, mirroring trends seen in other top international sides like Scotland and France. This approach involves slick execution with the ball and a strong offloading game. The upcoming match against Argentina presents an opportunity for England to further embrace this offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby Chair John Sanday expressed disappointment with the Flying Fijians’ on-field performance against England, acknowledging the pain felt by fans. He noted that despite the loss, the off-field activities, including meetings, marketing, and networking in the UK, have been successful, with significant financial returns expected to benefit Fiji Rugby in the coming months. The match against England saw an attendance of over 50,000 paying spectators, marking the largest attendance for a Fiji home game in history.
The Flying Fijians are scheduled to play Scotland in their next Nations Championship match this Sunday.
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Source: theguardian.com
