Wind-up merchant Henry Pollock adds to England’s embarrassment of back-row riches
Henry Pollock’s introduction to Test rugby justified the hype, which is another way of saying that the 20-year-old enjoyed a stunning entrance to the top level. Expectations on the impudent back-rower have been astronomically high since his mid-teens.
Unleashing Pollock in Cardiff against Wales was Steve Borthwick’s way of playing a hot hand and opting for the blissful ignorance of youth. In theory, Pollock could energise senior colleagues at the end of a gruelling campaign. England’s head coach could hardly have hoped for a better result.
Pollock arrived in the 49th minute as a replacement for Tommy Freeman, sending Ben Earl into midfield. Earl had registered three smart jackal turnovers in the first period alone, and would produce an impressive half-hour at centre as well.
As for Pollock, he began with a veteran’s trick, reaching through a ruck to grab the sock of Gareth Thomas. Wales’ replacement loosehead lost his head, shoulder-charging the irritating debutant to concede a needless penalty. Joe Marler would have been proud of a shrewd wind-up that allowed England to escape from their own 22.
Two tries reinforced the athleticism that has characterised Pollock’s rise. In the 67th minute, finding himself close to the right touchline, he faded on George Ford’s cut-out pass to shrug off Joe Roberts and curve close to the posts. Television cameras captured the charmingly joyous celebrations of his family.
Senior England debut ✅
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 15, 2025
First England try ✅
A day Henry Pollock will never forget!#WALvENG | #GuinnessM6Npic.twitter.com/LZMw0v3H7g
Pollock shadowed Ford, a tormentor of tired defences, for his second. England’s replacement fly-half fixed Dafydd Jenkins while a weary Aaron Wainwright could not track across from the ruck. Pollock pierced the gap. Even as the sort of prospect who seems to be writing his own scripts, this was stretching credulity. Two tries at the Principality Stadium? What a statement. Just as striking was his industry and measured decision-making in defence. He worked hard, yet illustrated restraint as well. A word from Ellis Genge at his first scrum might have helped.
But in truth, Pollock is one member of a staggeringly strong crop of England back-rowers. The 2003 crew had the hallowed trio of Richard Hill, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio, with worthy back-ups in Lewis Moody and Joe Worsley. As a collective, this group might be even better.
Ben Curry was crowned player of the match to cap a truly fantastic campaign. He was especially effective in the narrow defeat of Scotland, when England were in danger of falling to a stodgy defeat. Tom Curry, meanwhile, has rediscovered his best; as robust a compliment as he could be paid.
Those brothers have rewarded the bold selection of Borthwick when used in tandem with Earl. Jac Morgan, immensely defiant for Wales of late, was nullified in this comprehensive England triumph and Taulupe Faletau was restricted to glimmers of quality.
Indeed, the back row is so good that it is solving other problem positions for Borthwick. Chandler Cunningham-South had started a single game at lock in his senior career before this evening, that coming for London Irish against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Cup three years ago.
Cunningham-South replaced Ollie Chessum at the end of the first quarter and spent 62 minutes in the second row, lending his weight to the scrum, showing off his improved line-out work and bagging two tries of his own. Tom Willis rocked up for a rumble off the bench as well, helping England to be ruthless just six days after they had drifted to a flat ending against Italy.
Andy Farrell was in attendance at the Principality Stadium, and will surely be considering at least the Curry twins as well as Earl for places on the British and Irish Lions tour. The latter tore over the gain-line as a centre. Oscar Jégou’s display for France the previous weekend in Dublin as an emergency centre has underlined how seriously coaches are taking the concept of positional flexibility and genuine hybrid players.
Remember for a moment that Ted Hill is having to bide his time. Sam Underhill, a consistent force for England over the past year with huge pedigree, has missed the entire tournament after undergoing an ankle operation.
Jack Willis, phenomenal for Toulouse in last season’s Champions Cup decider against Leinster, is regarded as one of the most influential individuals in the Top 14. Jack Kenningham and Guy Pepper will come into the equation soon.
Eyebrows were raised at the somewhat funky line-up that Borthwick picked for this record thrashing of Wales, but it turned out to be a valid way of accentuating England’s best asset: their brilliant back-rowers. Pollock is among the brightest talents, and thoroughly relished his first chance to shine.
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