Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus compares Henry Pollock to Siya Kolisi ahead of England clash
· Yahoo Sports
South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus has compared Henry Pollock to Springboks captain Siya Kolisi as he praised the England youngster ahead of a likely first meeting in Johannesburg next week.
Pollock has established himself as one of rugby’s most exciting back row talents and looks set to take on the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday 4 July after being named in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
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The 21-year-old has attracted attention for his on-field antics as well as the consistent performances that quickly earned him international and British and Irish Lions recognition, and has faced criticism from some South Africans.
South Africa’s Siya Kolisi has led the Springboks to two World Cup wins (PA Wire)2007 World Cup winner Schalk Burger described Pollock as a “TikTok dancer” who “plays a bit of rugby on the weekend” last year, with Pollock admitting after the Gallagher Prem final that he was not sure why he had attracted such comments.
Erasmus believes that, like his double World Cup-winning captain Kolisi, Pollock may always draw the spotlight – but said people should instead focus on his “exceptional output”.
“He's like Siya,” Erasmus explained. “People make a big deal about certain players, but I don't always think the players themselves want that attention.
“What counts is what they do on the field, and recently, he’s been doing that. If I were coaching him, I'd only look at his output, and that has been exceptional.”
Rassie Erasmus has been impressed by Henry Pollock (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)England will arrive in Johannesburg this week to prepare for a potentially crucial clash to open their Nations Championship campaign.
Steve Borthwick’s side ended the Six Nations on a run of four consecutive defeats to finish fifth in the tournament table, and face a demanding summer tour with matches against Fiji (at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium) and Argentina in Santiago del Estero to come later in July.
Jamie George has been installed as captain with Maro Itoje rested for the trip, and Erasmus is expecting a tough test.
“The England squad is good – their average age is about 27, and Test caps around 32, so it's a young yet experienced squad,” said Erasmus.
“There are a few older players in their 30s, which brings the experience, but the young guys will add fearlessness into a team that was in the World Cup semi-final (in 2023), and who have competed really well off the back of the Premiership.
“It's a very competitive squad, and we know we'll have to work really hard against them at Ellis Park next week if we want to get a win.
“Tactically, Steve [Borthwick] is someone who works with numbers and chases trends, and that's always difficult to prepare against. If I say we know exactly what they'll do next Saturday, I'd be lying.”