Skip to content

"Henry Pollock starting" - England team to play Japan

England Rugby News
Henry Pollock
England head coach Steve Borthwick faces some big selection decisions ahead of next weekend's clash with Japan, with several players pushing for a chance to impress.
Sunday's 45-22 victory over Australia gave England plenty to smile about, but there were also a couple of injury concerns.
With the All Blacks waiting the following weekend, Borthwick has an opportunity to freshen things up without ripping apart a winning team.
Some of England's established stars could benefit from a rest, while several fringe players have done more than enough to earn an opportunity.
We've picked the England XV we'd like to see against Japan, with eight changes to the side that faced Australia.
And yes, there's room for Henry Pollock.

England predicted XV vs Japan

15. George Furbank

There isn't much point in changing for the sake of it, and Furbank put in a very good performance against Australia.
He seemed to come out of the game okay and looks set to be the starting fullback, so there's no reason to change.

14. Tommy Freeman

Likewise, Freeman is one of the first names on the teamsheet and is still available.
Japan may pose a challenge, and too many backline changes may reduce the effectiveness of the attack, something which still needs consistency.

13. Henry Slade

For similar reasons, Player of the Match against Australia Slade has earned his spot in the team and shouldn't be forced to give his shirt away for the sake of rotation.

12. Max Ojomoh (replaces Seb Atkinson)

With Seb Atkinson coming off injured against Australia, there is little point in risking him.
Ojomoh put in an impressive performance for England A against Argentina XV on Friday, something which warrants his spot.
It also sends a positive message about the pathway system and giving players opportunities when they are in good form.

11. Cadan Murley (replaces Immanuel Feyi-Waboso)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's injury seems fairly severe, and even if it is better than expected, Japan at home is not the game to risk him ahead of the All Blacks.
Murley seems the next option out of the players available and should fit in well with some good experience and a solid Harlequins contingent in the backline.

10. Marcus Smith (replaces Fin Smith)

Fin Smith was a doubt going into Australia, so it doesn't make sense to risk his fitness for the All Blacks game.
Marcus Smith and George Ford are the two options Borthwick has to choose from, with the former appearing to be the more sensible option.
In form at Harlequins this season and deserving of a chance to play fly-half for England, Smith could put his name forward again as a Test fly-half.
Should he perform, he would be a great option to have in reserve.

9. Jack van Poortvliet

Barring a poor pass that led directly to a Wallabies try, Van Poortvliet was impressive on Sunday.
The scrum-half deserves to keep his place in the team as a result, particularly given he is more of a long-term answer than Ben Spencer.

1. Fin Baxter

Ellis Genge is such a key player for England that he should get a good rest before facing the All Blacks, as he will be one of the most important players on the pitch against them.
That gives Baxter another opportunity after putting in a solid performance at Allianz Stadium.

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (replaces Jamie George)

A bit of rotation also gives Jamie George a rest, with him not getting any younger.
Cowan-Dickie has plenty of international experience and is more than capable of stepping in.

3. Will Stuart (replaces Joe Heyes)

It wasn't the best afternoon for Joe Heyes, and he is by no means being dropped.
In a similar vein to Genge, he could be key against New Zealand and needs his minutes managed.

4. George Martin (replaces Alex Coles)

A great player on his day, and having not played much against Australia, it makes sense to get some more minutes into Martin's legs.

5. Maro Itoje

As captain, Itoje should be the first name on the teamsheet.
He has shown previously how durable he is, especially after having the summer off, so should be okay to feature for the whole autumn.

6. Ollie Chessum

Another case of not changing what isn't broken.
Chessum is the exact blindside England need at the moment, bringing some serious physicality to the back row.
Unless his fitness is a doubt, start him.

7. Henry Pollock (replaces Ben Curry)

It was very tempting to stick with Ben Curry here, especially after his impressive performance against Australia.
However, Japan at home seems the perfect opportunity to give Pollock a start.
The Northampton Saints youngster was outstanding against the Wallabies, scoring twice despite spending the entire second half on the wing.
His carrying threat, energy and ability to get under opponents' skin could cause Japan all sorts of problems.
Curry has played very little rugby over the past year, and there is an argument for managing his minutes ahead of New Zealand.
Pollock, meanwhile, has done more than enough to earn a start.

8. Greg Fisilau (replaces Ben Earl)

Fisilau looked good off the bench on his full England debut.
Borthwick needs to give a start soon to one of the PREM's in-form players, and someone with huge potential.
Ben Earl was excellent against Australia, but giving him a rest ahead of the All Blacks would make sense.
Japan at home seems to be the perfect game to give Fisilau his opportunity.

Now pick your Nations Championship Team of the Week

We've named five players who failed to impress. Now it's time to celebrate those who delivered.
Henry Pollock, Ben Earl and Henry Slade all made RUCK's Team of the Week, but would they make yours?
Pick your starting XV, compare it with our selections and see who other fans are backing.
loading

Loading