Wind-up merchant Henry Pollock brilliantly mugged off Wales forward
03/15/2025 07:34 PM
England ran riot with ten tries to smash Wales in a record-breaking Six Nations victory, but their title hopes were dashed as France edged past Scotland later on Super Saturday.
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Amid the chaos, Henry Pollock made sure his debut was one to remember—for all the right reasons.
The 19-year-old Northampton Saints back-rower has been tipped as one of England's brightest young prospects, having starred for the national age-grade teams and impressed in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
A powerful ball-carrier with a knack for turnovers, Pollock's performances have drawn comparisons to England greats like Tom Curry.
And he wasted no time in making an impact at senior level, getting under Welsh skin from the off. The England debutant cheekily yanked the sock of Gareth Thomas through a ruck, a classic veteran's trick.
The Wales prop took the bait, responding with a reckless shoulder charge that handed England an easy escape from their 22. Joe Marler would've approved.
Veterans trick:
Pollock wasn't just there for the mind games—he backed it up with two stunning tries. His first, in the 67th minute, saw him glide onto George Ford's cut-out pass, brush off Joe Roberts, and race towards the posts. Cue absolute limbs in the stands as TV cameras caught his family's beaming celebrations.
A debut full of sh*thousery and skill—exactly what England fans love to see.
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- Wales head coach departs with immediate effect
- England player ratings vs Wales: 2025 Six Nations
England player ratings vs Wales:
1. Ellis Genge – 8
Genge scrummaged his heart out during his hour on the field and schooled the Welsh front row at the set piece. In both attack and defence, he was like a wrecking ball, smashing his way into the home side. Another of the English pack who strengthened his case for a Lions jersey.
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
He stopped a certain try with a brilliant ankle tap on Blair Murray in the first half. His lineout throws kept England's main attacking platform functioning smoothly, and overall, his set-piece work was outstanding.
3. Will Stuart – 8
Stuart was a huge thorn in the side of the Welsh front row in the first half. He absolutely dominated his opposite number at scrum time, giving Wales no chance at the put-in. He showed great determination for his try—not only to get over the line but to get into a good position in the first place.
4. Maro Itoje – 8
Itoje led from the front for the Red Roses. It all started with a thundering carry in the opening minutes to set the tone for the visitors. He was a constant threat to the Welsh lineout and disrupted it well. In attack, he ran with venom and matched that intensity in his defensive work.
5. Ollie Chessum – 5
Chessum was forced off just before the 20-minute mark due to injury. In that time, he didn't make any notable errors but also didn't have enough game time for a higher rating.
6. Tom Curry – 8
Tom Curry was relentless, working in tandem with his twin brother to grind down the Welsh attack. He put in a fantastic shift for the entirety of the game and never let his foot off the gas. He applied his size and power effectively in attack and, like his brother, will be causing Andy Farrell headaches for the Lions.
7. Ben Curry – 8.5
Ben Curry put in a monstrous shift against Wales and potentially played his way into Lions contention. He bullied Wales at the breakdown, delivered some rib-crunching tackles, and kept England on the front foot. A well-deserved Player of the Match performance.
8. Ben Earl – 7
Earl was surprisingly quiet in a game you'd expect to suit the athletic No. 8. Still, he punished the Welsh on a number of occasions and kept the English pack ticking over nicely.
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