Eddie Jones says young England star Henry Pollock reminds him of a former Springbok who also wasn’t a “grind player”.
Jones questioned England coach Steve Borthwick’s decision to start the 21-year-old in their 42-21 defeat to Ireland at Twickenham.
Pollock made his first Test start, at No 8, after earning seven caps off the bench and was largely anonymous as Ireland bossed the game.
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Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones compared Pollock to former Springbok loose forward Bobby Skinstad, a 2027 World Cup winner, suggesting both players were better suited to impactful cameos.
“Starting Pollock – to me he’s like Bobby Skinstad,” the Japan coach said. “Good looking, always got a sun tan 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.”
Jones contrasted Pollock’s skill set with that of Sam Underhill, who had started England’s opening two matches before being named on the bench against Ireland.
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Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie agreed with Jones.
“You need players who can mix it physically early on and earn the right to play,” he said. “England never got that and were forced to operate on the back foot.”
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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