The mercurial Henry Pollock has emerged as a possible stop-gap in the England backline as coach Steven Borthwick sweats over two injured stars for Saturday’s clash with Japan.
Loose forward Pollock’s two-try cameo in England’s 45-22 win over Australia on Sunday has given Borthwick another option with the possible absences of winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and inside centre Seb Atkinson.
Feyi-Waboso left the field at half-time with an ankle injury while Atkinson came off with a hip problem. Both will be assessed ahead of this week’s Nations Championship Test at Twickenham.
Pollock replaced Feyi-Waboso and, speaking to Sky Sports post-match, the 21-year-old said the switch was something he had prepared for with club and country.
MORE: Sacha, Gaza get a reality check
“It was fun. Something that I’ve done a bit in the week and at [Northampton] Saints, but to be able to put it out for a 40-minute performance, I was happy with that,” he said.
“It was something that we spoke about if one of the wings went down early, and then I got on at half-time.
“It’s definitely a lot easier than it is in the back row, but whatever I have to do for this team, I’m happy to do that.”
Borthwick praised Pollock’s positional flexibility, calling it a significant asset for England now when deciding the balance of his bench.
ALSO: All Blacks close gap on Boks, eye top spot
“I say this in all the right ways, is that we now have to bear Henry Pollock saying playing on the wing is easy!” he commented.
“And we now have to bear Henry Pollock saying he can play anywhere on the pitch.”
Pollock was unconcerned about whether that versatility meant being used as a replacement or outside his preferred position.
“I think it’s whatever’s best for the team,” he added. “I’m happy doing anything for this team and making sure that we win, and making sure that we do whatever we can to get over that line.”
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
The post Pollock to wing it for England? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The mercurial Henry Pollock has emerged as a possible stop-gap in the England backline as coach Steven Borthwick sweats over two injured stars for Saturday’s clash with Japan.
The post Pollock to wing it for England? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
