Rugby World Cup 2027: Henry Pollock’s first start for England did not unfold the way he or the coaching staff would have hoped. Thrown into the No. 8 jersey for a huge Test against Ireland, the 21-year-old found himself in the middle of a bruising contest that ultimately ended in a 42-21 defeat at Twickenham.
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Yet despite the disappointing result and his relatively quiet performance. Former England head coach Eddie Jones believes the blame should not fall on the young forward. Pollock had previously earned seven caps off the bench, where his energy and eye for opportunity made him an exciting impact option.
This was his first chance to start a Test match, a moment many had been eagerly anticipating. However, Ireland dominated the breakdown and controlled much of the physical battle, limiting England’s ability to generate momentum. In those conditions, Pollock struggled to impose himself.
That said, he did show flashes of promise. In the first half, he produced a sharp half-break that briefly lifted the crowd. After halftime, he made a powerful run down the right flank, demonstrating the athleticism and attacking instinct that have marked him out as one of England’s brightest young prospects.
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Rugby World Cup: Eddie Jones Questions Borthwick’s Pollock Gamble
But overall, Ireland’s control of possession and territory meant he had few chances to influence the game in the way he might have liked. Jones, now coaching Japan, later questioned whether starting Pollock had been the right call by England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, the Australian suggested that Pollock’s strengths may be better suited to a high-impact role off the bench. Rather than the relentless demands of an 80-minute Test match in the back row.
To explain his thinking, Jones compared Pollock to former Springbok loose forward Bobby Skinstad. Who was part of South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning squad? Skinstad was known for his athleticism, flair, and knack for being in the right place at the right time.
But he was not necessarily regarded as a player who thrived in the gritty, collision-heavy exchanges that often define top-level Test rugby. Pollock, to me, is like Bobby Skinstad, Jones said. “He’s good-looking, always got a suntan, and can play.
But he’s one of those blokes who plays for 20 minutes. He finds himself in the right position, but he’s not a grind player. To play a full 80 in the back row, you’ve got to be prepared to grind, and maybe that’s not the best job for him.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Underhill’s Try Reinforces Questions Over Pollock Role
In other words, Jones sees Pollock as a player who can change a game with energy and instinct, particularly when defenders are tiring. But asking him to go toe-to-toe with Ireland’s powerful pack from the opening whistle may have placed him in a role that does not fully suit his strengths.
Former Australia coach Ewen McKenzie echoed that view. He described Pollock as a wider-ranging player who excels at spotting opportunities late in matches. While that quality can be invaluable in the final quarter, McKenzie suggested it can leave a team vulnerable early on, when the physical contest is at its most intense.
Against Ireland, England never established dominance in the collisions. Players such as Ben Earl were tasked with matching Ireland’s physicality, but the team struggled to win the early exchanges. Without that platform, England’s backs were forced to operate on the back foot.
Fly-half George Ford, in particular, was unable to dictate play or settle into his kicking game because the forwards were constantly under pressure. Jones also contrasted Pollock’s skill set with that of Sam Underhill.
He had started England’s previous two matches before being named on the bench for this one. Underhill later came on and scored a try, underlining his reputation as a combative, hard-tackling forward who thrives in tight, physical contests.
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