Henry Pollock injury: Lions number 8 withdraws from starting XV

Saturday, 05 July 2025 at 09:39

byRugby Rucker

Henry Pollock injury. There’s a late adjustment to this Lions XV ahead of this mornings match, with the number 8 ruled out as a precaution due to a tight calf.

In his absence, Scott Cummings is drafted into the second row, prompting a reshuffle in the pack. Tadhg Beirne moves across to blindside flanker, bringing his versatility and physical presence to the back row.

Meanwhile, Duhan van der Merwe is called onto the bench, adding serious firepower among the replacements.

It’s a precautionary move for Pollock, but with Cummings slotting in and Beirne adapting seamlessly, the side remains well balanced heading into tonight’s contest.

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Lions Starting XV after Henry Pollock injury

15. Hugo Keenan (IRE)
14. Mack Hansen (IRE)
13. Huw Jones (SCO)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (SCO)
11. Blair Kinghorn (SCO)
10. Fin Smith (ENG)
9. Alex Mitchell (ENG)

1. Pierre Schoeman (SCO)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (ENG)
3. Finlay Bealham (IRE)
4. Scott Cummings (SCO)
5. James Ryan (IRE)
6. Tadhg Beirne (C) (IRE)
7. Josh van der Flier (IRE)
8. Ben Earl (ENG)

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan
17. Ellis Genge
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Joe McCarthy
20. Duhan van der Merwe
21. Jac Morgan
22. Ben White
23. Marcus Smith

World Rugby confirm 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup draw – England set to face Wales

Sixteen nations have already secured qualification — including reigning back-to-back champions South Africa, perennial heavyweights New Zealand and France, as well as exciting challengers like Portugal, Fiji, and Georgia.

The final qualifying tournament in Dubai (8–18 November) will determine the last eight teams to complete the line-up.

Here’s how the groups could look based on the current World Rugby rankings — and how each side has fared on rugby’s biggest stage.

Pool A: South Africa, Scotland, Japan, Tonga

South Africa

Four-time world champions, including back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2023, the Springboks are the team to beat. Brutal, brilliant and battle-hardened, they've never failed to make the quarter-finals since returning to the competition in 1995. They’ll head into 2027 as favourites — again.

Scotland

Scotland’s World Cup history is a tale of near misses and hard-luck stories. They’ve reached the quarter-finals seven times, but haven’t gone beyond since 1991. After heartbreak in 2019 and a tough pool in 2023, this draw gives them a chance — but Japan and Tonga won't roll over.

Japan

Heroes of 2015, hosts and quarter-finalists in 2019 — Japan have transformed into a global rugby force. Their fearless brand of rugby has stunned tier-one sides before. They’ll have one eye on repeating their win over Scotland from 2019 in what could be a pool-decider.

Tonga

Tonga are no strangers to upsets — just ask France in 2011. But progression beyond the group stages has always eluded them. They’ll bring ferocious physicality and raw emotion to every game, and if they catch anyone napping, they’re more than capable of doing damage.

Pool B: New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Romania

New Zealand

The All Blacks need no introduction — three-time champions and semi-finalists in 2023, they are rugby royalty. But defeat to South Africa in the last final will still sting. Expect a ruthless campaign as they chase redemption on Australian soil.

Australia

Two-time winners and now hosts, the Wallabies have a lot to prove. A disastrous group stage exit in 2023 shattered confidence, but home advantage and a youthful squad give hope. They’ve reached four finals — and they’ll believe they can get back there again.

Samoa

Quarter-finalists in 1991 and 1995, Samoa remain one of the most dangerous Pacific Island sides on their day. They pushed England hard in 2023 and are always capable of an ambush. The clash with Australia could be especially spicy.

Romania

World Cup ever-presents until 2019, the Oaks are back and will be determined to show they still belong. Physical, determined and proud, their battle with Samoa could be decisive in determining third place in the group.

Pool C: Ireland, Fiji, USA, Chile

Ireland

The only blemish on an otherwise stellar recent era — that World Cup quarter-final curse. Despite topping the world rankings and winning Six Nations titles, Ireland have never reached a semi-final. Pool C is no walkover, but anything short of a deep run will feel like failure.

Fiji

Everyone’s favourite second team — and now genuine contenders. Quarter-finalists in 2023 after defeating Australia, the Flying Fijians have added set-piece steel to their signature flair. Their match-up with Ireland has instant classic written all over it.

USA

Absent in 2023, but back in 2027 with a point to prove. The Eagles will aim to finally shake off the “also-ran” tag. Their best finish remains a solitary pool win — but a winnable match against Chile and a shot at Fiji offer potential for progress.

Chile

Made history in 2023 by qualifying — and won over plenty of fans with their passion and pride. Now, with experience in the bank, they’ll be targeting a first ever World Cup win. The showdown with the USA could be their best chance.

Pool D: France, Italy, Spain, Belgium

France

Finalists in 1987, 1999, and 2011, the French are long overdue a title. Their heartbreaking quarter-final exit in Paris in 2023 still hurts, but they’ve got the squad — and the style — to make another deep run. One of the tournament favourites.

Italy

Ever-present since 1987 but never past the pool stages. Despite notable wins in the Six Nations, the Azzurri have struggled to convert that into World Cup success. Their clash with Spain could be pivotal in this group.

Spain

Denied a place in 2023 due to eligibility issues, Spain return with a vengeance. They’ve beaten Portugal and Georgia in recent years and are capable of a statement win. A true wild card.

Belgium

Welcome to the big time. Belgium’s debut appearance will be historic, and while they’ll be underdogs, they’ll be out to cause problems — especially against fellow European nations they know well.

Pool E: Argentina, Georgia, Uruguay, Canada

Argentina

Semifinalists in 2007, 2015 and 2023 — Argentina are no longer a surprise package. The Pumas are consistent, powerful and play with a fearless edge. With South America booming, they’ll be keen to stamp their dominance early.

Georgia

Dominant in the Rugby Europe Championship, the Lelos want more — and they’ve got the talent to take it. After a big win over Wales in 2022 and a strong 2023 campaign, they’ll be eyeing their first ever quarter-final.

Uruguay

Underdogs no more. Los Teros stunned Fiji in 2019 and impressed in 2023 with their grit and growth. Their clash with Georgia could decide who goes through — and they’ll believe they can do it.

Canada

Once a quarter-finalist, now fighting for survival. After missing 2023, the Canucks are back and in desperate need of a reset. A match-up with Portugal might be their best bet for a first win in years — but the gap is growing.

Pool F: England, Wales, Portugal, Hong Kong

England

Champions in 2003, finalists in 2007 and 2019, and semi-finalists again in 2023 — England always deliver in World Cups. A pool-stage clash with Wales adds spice, and they'll back themselves to top the group. Whether they can go all the way remains to be seen.

Wales

A proud World Cup pedigree — semis in 2011 and 2019, quarters in 2023 — but decline is threatening. Pool F is manageable, but a loss to England or a slip-up against Portugal could be disastrous. Their RWC legacy is on the line.

Portugal

The darlings of 2023. The Os Lobos drew with Georgia and shocked Fiji to cap a fairy-tale tournament. They play with flair and no fear — and could absolutely stun either England or Wales if they catch them on the wrong day.

Hong Kong

Having qualified for their first Rugby World Cup, Hong Kong’s main goal will be to earn respect and experience. Their squad is improving, but they’ll face steep competition in this group.

Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?

Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.

In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.

Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.

Surnames only will be accepted.