'He Meant It’: Henry Pollock’s Celebration Sends Message to Steve Borthwick
Rugby NewsSaturday, 01 November 2025 at 16:40
Henry Pollock wasted no time making his mark for England, touching down just minutes after coming off the bench against Australia — and his celebration said it all.
the moment. Staring up at the big screen, chest out, oozing confidence — fans were quick to clock what looked like a not-so-subtle message to Steve Borthwick.
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The young back-row didn’t just score, he owned
“Love that from Pollock — clear message to Borthwick,” one fan wrote.
Another added:
“Pollock looking at himself on the big screen, knowing he’s the dog’s bollocks. Lucky for him, he absolutely backs it up.”
The reactions kept coming:
“Pollock meant that celebration. Borthwick better start him next weekend.”
And perhaps the most straightforward of the lot:
“Henry Pollock, get in you beauty! Great try.”
Whether it was a statement or just pure adrenaline, one thing’s certain — Henry Pollock isn’t here to make up the numbers.
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ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS vs AUSTRALIA
15. Freddie Steward – 6.5
Brought into the squad following a stellar summer in Argentina, yet had a slow start with a couple of aerial knock-ons early on. This lit a fire underneath the Tigers man, who grew eager to carry into contact. A stand-out carry came at 42 minutes, as Steward broke through a pair of gold jerseys. He came into his own in the second half, thriving under the high ball and returning kicks with conviction.
14. Tom Roebuck – 7
Brilliant aerial work, notably out-jumping Joseph Sua’ali’i to set up Ben Earl’s opening score. Inches away from winning the footrace with Andrew Kellaway in the in-goal area for a near-try. Defended with strength, including a standout hit on Rob Valentini early in the second half. A standout defensive operator in a hard-hitting contest.
13. Tommy Freeman – 7.5
All eyes were on Freeman’s positional switch to centre. Conceded an early penalty at the ruck inside the Wallabies’ 22, but soon made amends by driving England’s attack through the midfield channel. At times, he opted to go alone when a pass wide to Feyi-Waboso was on, but he grew into the role and finished strongly.
12. Fraser Dingwall – 6.5
The “glue” of the Saints midfield partnership, Dingwall helped clubmate Freeman settle into his new role. Unfortunately threw the loose pass that led to Harry Potter’s intercept try. Took a few heavy hits, including a big collision with Tane Edmed. Not his flashiest Twickenham outing, but a solid and grounded effort aside from one costly mistake.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 6.5
Set the tone early with a perfectly timed chase and hit on Andrew Kellaway. Made a blistering 17th-minute break but forced an offload that went astray. Eager and explosive out wide, though the link-up with Freeman still needs fine-tuning.
10. George Ford – 7
Led the side out on his return to the Allianz after reaching 100 England caps over the summer. Marshalled play intelligently, often opting for touch over three points. Nearly produced a brilliant cross-field kick assist for Feyi-Waboso. Accurate from the tee and brave in defence—took a crunching hit from Valentini at 36 minutes.
9. Alex Mitchell – 6.5
Provided a steady base for England’s attack and peppered the Wallabies’ backfield with well-placed box kicks. Kept the tempo high and ensured England’s attack ticked over smoothly, though lacked a touch of precision at times.
1. Fin Baxter (off 51’) – 7
Held firm in the scrum against the formidable Taniela Tupou, giving away size and experience but not ground. Showed soft hands in the loose and linked play well. Pushed Tupou hard enough that the Australian was replaced early, then stood up well against Ala’alatoa.
2. Jamie George (off 51’) – 6.5
A typically steady shift from the captain, offering leadership and physicality. Lineout accuracy wavered early but improved later. Worked tirelessly in the loose before taking a knock early in the second half.
3. Joe Heyes (off 51’) – 7
Confident and composed close to his own line, earning an early penalty after foul play from Harry Wilson. Showed courage and control throughout. A strong outing in his start over Lions prop Will Stuart.
4. Maro Itoje – 7
Back in white after a strong Lions campaign, Itoje put his body on the line all game. A constant menace at the breakdown and in defence. Lineout errors blemished his day slightly, but he steadied the set piece after the break.
5. Ollie Chessum (off 72’) – 7
A typically gritty performance — diving on loose balls, tackling low, and hitting hard. Excelled at the breakdown with a key turnover at 43 minutes. Looked right at home alongside Itoje.
6. Guy Pepper – 7.5
A mixed start with some early handling errors, but grew into the contest. Contributed well in the lineout and worked tirelessly throughout. Not as prominent with ball in hand early on, but his second-half intensity impressed.
7. Sam Underhill (off 51’) – 7.5
A defensive powerhouse once again. Played the pass to put Ben Earl in for England’s first try and made a crucial maul turnover. His physicality was unmatched before leaving the field bloodied but unbowed.
8. Ben Earl (off 51’) – 8.5
Set the tone with an early turnover before bursting through for England’s opening try. Almost bagged a brace but was held up over the line. Explosive in attack, relentless in defence — England’s standout forward.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (on 51’) – 8
Earned his 50th cap to a loud Twickenham ovation and immediately steadied England’s set piece. Brought power and precision, finishing the game with a well-taken maul try. A strong case to start the next test.
17. Ellis Genge (on 51’) – 7
Injected trademark aggression and power, smashing through tired Wallabies defenders. Carried with intent and added real bite to England’s forward effort.
18. Will Stuart (on 51’) – 6.5
Replaced Heyes and helped reassert England’s scrum dominance. Solid and industrious, if not spectacular.
19. Alex Coles (on 72’) – 5
Limited impact in his short cameo.
20. Tom Curry (on 51’) – 7
Made his presence felt instantly with thumping tackles and a forced knock-on. His physicality helped England maintain intensity late on.
21. Henry Pollock (on 51’) – 8
Back in England colours with bright blonde hair and big impact. Scored his third Test try after recovering from a tap tackle and dotting down with style. Energetic and effective in defence too.
22. Ben Spencer (on 72’) – 5
Little opportunity to influence proceedings in his brief spell.
23. Fin Smith (on 72’) – 5
Likewise saw limited action late on, with the game largely settled by his introduction.
NAME ENGLAND'S 2003 WORLD CUP-WINNING SQUAD
The England team were dubbed ‘Dad’s Army’ by the rest of the world (mainly Australians) but everyone secretly knew England coach Clive Woodward had the best side around.
This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.
Some of these are significantly easier than others.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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