Pollock in the same league as Springbok RWC winner says Eddie
SPOTLIGHT: Henry Pollock’s first England start did not go as planned. However, it was far from his fault, according to Eddie Jones.
Pollock made his first Test start at No. 8 in England’s 21-42 defeat to Ireland after earning seven caps off the bench.
The 21-year-old’s much-anticipated run-on debut proved a tough outing. He produced a half-break in the first half and a strong burst down the right flank after the break, but was largely neutralised as Ireland dominated the breakdown.
Former England head coach Eddie Jones has since questioned Steve Borthwick’s decision to start Pollock ahead of the abrasive Sam Underhill, who crossed for a try off the bench.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, the Australian compared Pollock to 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Bobby Skinstad – suggesting both are better suited to high-impact cameos rather than grinding 80-minute roles.
“Steve will probably look back and think, ‘Maybe I didn’t get a few things right,’” said Jones, the Japan head coach.
“Pollock, to me, is like Bobby Skinstad. 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.”
Former Australia coach Ewen McKenzie echoed Jones’ view.
“He plays as a wider-ranging player who can sniff opportunities, which has been really good in the last 20 minutes,” McKenzie said.
“That’s not so good in the first 20 because you can be a man short in the physical exchanges.
“You’ve got the [Ben] Earl-type players who needed to mix it with Ireland early in the physical exchanges. You try to get some dominance there and then you earn the right to play.
“They never got that, so guys like Ford were trying to play on the back foot and never got to their kicking game.”
Source: RugbyUnity Podcast
