BAGSHOT, England (Reuters) - England coach Steve Borthwick says the selection of uncapped Henry Pollock on the bench for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales is a reflection not only of the flanker's ability, but also the success of his country's age-grade teams.
Pollock, 20, is a precocious talent, forcing his way into the Northampton senior team as a teenager two years ago and becoming a regular this season in a position where only the gnarliest operators thrive.
He has always played with a maturity beyond his years, whether captaining England's Under-18s or helping the Under-20s to their Six Nations title last year, when he scored a hat-trick of tries on his debut against Italy and was later named player of the tournament.
More glory at the 2024 U-20 World Cup amid a whirlwind of breakdown turnovers brought Pollock and his trademark headband to a wider audience and earned a place in the England A team last November, when he was man of the match against Australia.
A call-up to Borthwick's Six Nations training squad followed and Pollock looks set for his first senior cap in the cauldron of the Principality Stadium where England will be seeking a bonus-point victory that could secure them the title if France fail to beat Scotland.
Given the current depth of England's back-row options it is a huge vote of confidence from Borthwick.
"It's really exciting to see the power and pace he has," the coach told reporters on Wednesday. "It's always interesting when you see a player step into the England squad. He wants the ball in his hands. That is absolutely clear.
"He wants to go and make a difference. So, the message to him this weekend is a very simple one; go on the field and get yourself around the ball."
Borthwick said Pollock was delighted, but not hugely surprised, by his selection.
He has a reputation for confidence, that his detractors like to call arrogance, but Borthwick said he loved his attitude.
"That 20s group is excellent, this year and last year," said Borthwick, as the 2025 crop is one Cardiff win away from a Grand Slam and a second successive title. "The opportunities for them to get in the England senior squad are great and Henry Pollock is the first sign of that group coming through.
"When you look to 2027 (the next World Cup), I am sure more of those players will be in the England squad."
(Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ed Osmond)
