'Just start him!' England icons make Henry Pollock demand
Henry Pollock is eyeing a starting spot in England’s back row as Steve Borthwick faces a clamour to promote his hat-trick hero from Saturday’s blitz of Fiji.
Former England stars Ben Youngs, Chris Ashton and Jeremy Guscott are among the voices to call for Pollock to be elevated from the supporting role he has been given for all but one of his 12 caps.
It comes after the 21-year-old took top billing at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a trio of electric finishes that left Fijians trailing in his wake.
Following the 73-8 victory Borthwick hinted that he would remain a high-impact replacement for the time being, but Ashton’s reaction was “stop messing about and put him in” while Youngs urged “just start him, please!”.
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It is an ambition shared by Pollock himself, with Saturday’s showdown against Argentina his final opportunity to force his way in until the autumn.
“A big thing for me at the minute is wanting to get that starting shirt,” he said.
“Steve said to me before the Fiji game to just go out there and be myself. I hope I did that and hope he saw enough in me.
“But at the same time, the depth in the squad is crazy good, so I’m happy with any role I’m playing as long as I’m in the team.
“I’m just trying to focus on myself and focus on my performances. Hopefully on the back of that, I’ll get results.”
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Pollock mimicked Jude Bellingham’s outstretched arms celebration when he completed his hat-trick with seconds remaining to lift his hit rate to six tries in 12 Tests.
While also capable of grafting at close quarters and making an impact at the breakdown, it is the flashier moments that have transformed him into the game’s most talked about player.
Reflecting on his show of speed against Fiji, he said: “It is like a unique thing where I’m able to back myself like that. I had the confidence and the ability to take boys on the outside.
“I’m enjoying my rugby. I’m very confident in myself and trust my ability. I just go out there and try and get into good positions.”
Another decision facing Borthwick when he finalises his team on Thursday is whether to make Marcus Smith’s emergency cameo at scrumhalf something more substantial.
Smith replaced hamstring-injury victim Alex Mitchell and impressed to the extent his ability to play fly-half, full-back and scrumhalf could enable England to opt for a seven-one split between forwards and backs on the bench.
The Harlequins playmaker had never even trained in the position with England but would be happy to be seen as an option in the future.
“I played at scrumhalf growing up at school growing up in Singapore and the Philippines,” Smith said.
“If it was agreed with the coaches, of course I’d be happy as cover. I’ve probably played more at scrumhalf than fullback.
“It’s the same thing ultimately – make good decisions and execute your skills. Playing for England is my ultimate aim.”
Raffi Quirke has been called up to replace Mitchell, who will not travel with the squad to Argentina.
