Henry Pollock has once again found himself at the centre of attention after a clip from England’s defeat against South Africa went viral.
The footage shows the England back-row lying on the floor at the back of a ruck before he appears to reach out and grab a Springbok lock by the ankle as the forward attempts to move away.
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Watch closely and Pollock seems to get hold of his opponent’s ankle for a split second before quickly letting go.
The moment sparked a huge reaction from fans, with one accusing the youngster of “plain cheating”.
Another joked: “He was admiring his boots.”
A third added: “Trying to hold his boot to lick it clean. Acceptable practice.”
However, others were far less amused.
One fan wrote: “Not cheeky, not playful, just plain cheating.”
Pollock is quickly developing a reputation as one of rugby’s biggest wind-up merchants — and moments like this probably explain why he is becoming a marked man.
Watch closely as Pollock appears to try and trip the Springbok lock in typical cheeky fashion. Then he wonders why he’s a marked man… 👀 pic.twitter.com/IrVKtCgdkY
— Ruck Rugby🏉 (@RuckRugby) July 5, 2026
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Four England players who flopped against Springboks – and who should replace them
With Fiji up next at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, changes could now be on the cards.
Here are four England players who struggled against the Springboks – and who should replace them.
Marcus Smith
Thrown into the starting XV at the 11th hour after George Furbank was ruled out with appendicitis, Smith once again found himself deployed in the more unfamiliar full-back role.
There appeared to be an alarming lack of communication in England’s back three early on, with high balls allowed to bounce and South Africa immediately putting the visitors under huge pressure.
Smith’s one-on-one defence was then exposed by Kurt-Lee Arendse for the Springboks’ third try, with the diminutive playmaker unable to bundle the winger into touch.
There were some brighter moments. His pass resulted in Arendse deliberately knocking the ball on and receiving a yellow card, while Smith added value when stepping up as a first receiver.
However, he was largely anonymous after the break and was caught biting in defensively in the build-up to Jesse Kriel’s try.
Smith remains a world-class fly-half, but England’s continued attempts to turn him into an international full-back remain unconvincing.
Replacement: Freddie Steward
If fit, Steward should return at full-back against Fiji. England need greater security under the high ball and a more natural presence in the No.15 shirt.
