Steve Borthwick has encouraged Henry Pollock to showcase his abilities after the young talent received his first Test start, aiming to energize Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Pollock has been elevated to the No. 8 position for Saturday’s Six Nations match against Ireland, following seven prior appearances as a substitute.
The confident 21-year-old excels in high-pressure situations, having made his way into England’s senior squad at the conclusion of the 2025 Six Nations and subsequently earning a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Now, Borthwick seeks to spark a turnaround after last Saturday’s 31-20 loss to Scotland hindered England’s championship hopes.
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“Henry is brimming with energy, character, and enthusiasm, and he has already accomplished a great deal in a brief period,” the head coach remarked. “He has a larger-than-life presence, and he seems to excel with each new challenge presented to him.
“As a player, he excites people and gets them jumping with joy. He can create a sense of euphoria that few players can replicate.
“I will encourage him to express himself and be authentic while also embracing the selflessness that a team sport demands. He can do both effectively.
“He manages it exceptionally well, and I am eager to see him perform from the outset.”
Pollock’s advancement leads to a reshuffle in the back row, with Ben Earl shifting to openside flanker and Tom Curry stepping in at blindside flanker. Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper will move to the bench to accommodate these changes.
While the Northampton entertainer is popular among England supporters, he is viewed as a pantomime villain by rivals, particularly with French teams aiming to provoke him during European matches.
“He seems to thrive on that, doesn’t he? It appears to continually fuel the energy within him. I find it remarkable to watch him—there are not many players like him. We desire superstars in the game,” Borthwick stated.
Borthwick has also modified his midfield by halting the trial of using Tommy Freeman at outside centre, instead returning him to the wing.
Ollie Lawrence takes on the No. 13 jersey for his first appearance in the Six Nations, while Henry Arundell remains on the left wing. Tom Roebuck is replaced by Freeman on the right wing.
Arundell starts after avoiding a suspension for the two yellow cards he received in the 31-20 defeat at Murrayfield that led to his dismissal.
Borthwick has made it clear that by choosing not to implement further changes following England’s significant loss in Edinburgh, he is providing those players who underperformed with another opportunity.
“I am trusting them to deliver a performance they will want to achieve after last weekend,” he said. “Had the game unfolded as we hoped, I might have made changes as well. I want players to feel supported.”
