England legend Brian Moore has warned Steve Borthwick against picking Henry Pollock to face the All Blacks after his latest controversy.
Pollock was involved in a heated clash during Northampton's defeat to Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
The 21-year-old clashed with England teammate Ollie Chessum several times as the players headed down the tunnel at half-time.
Leicester were behind at the break but came out fighting. They scored four tries without reply to win 28-7.
Writing in The Telegraph, Moore suggested Pollock's antics may have fired up Leicester and helped spark their comeback.
Brian Moore questions Henry Pollock's England selection
Moore believes Pollock's behaviour could give opponents extra motivation.
Leicester prop Joe Heyes admitted after the match that Pollock had fired up the Tigers.
England teammate Freddie Steward also appeared to mock the Northampton star's trademark try celebration.
Moore warned that Pollock's antics could cause problems when England face the All Blacks in November.
He ended his column with a blunt question:
"Do you think that Borthwick is more or less likely to pick Pollock if he thinks that giving New Zealand extra motivation might be the result next month?"
It is a clear warning for Pollock as he fights for a place in Borthwick's starting XV.
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Pollock has become one of English rugby's biggest talking points.
His performances have earned plenty of praise, but his celebrations and confrontational style continue to divide opinion.
The Northampton flanker has also attracted attention away from rugby, recently appearing on the cover of Tatlermagazine.
However, Moore believes Pollock would benefit from allowing his rugby to do the talking.
With England preparing to face Australia, Japan and New Zealand in November, Borthwick has a big decision to make.
Pollock's talent is not in doubt. Whether his antics help or hurt England is another matter.
And after Leicester's stunning comeback, Moore clearly fears they could do more harm than good.
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