Things got
very personal between Henry Pollock and Sere Uru as tempers flared during the Lions' fiery showdown.
After a bit of back-and-forth between the two, tensions boiled over – with the powerhouse back-rower making it very clear he wasn’t there to mess around.
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As the scuffle kicked off, the referee could be heard warning Pollock:
"If you want to start it… be prepared to finish it."
Ouch.
"If you want to start it… be prepared to finish it."
Ouch.
Fans didn’t hold back online either:
?️ “Pollock must be a huge nause to play against. One of those annoying little pricks who constantly niggles and presses your buttons all game. But when he's on your team there is nothing wrong with it. Long live the shithouse.”
? “Pollock needs to keep that gumshield in and stop chewing it before someone knocks his teeth out.”
? “Pollock looked like he didn’t fancy it when the big boys stepped in after he lit the fire.”
? “Quite telling that none of his teammates ran in to back him up… says it all really.”
Typical rugby handbags or a young gun pushing his luck? Either way, Pollock’s making headlines – for better or worse.
EDITORS PICKS:
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- England Player Ratings vs USA: Ford 9, Coles 5
- Lions player ratings vs Australia: First Test
“Too weak” – Three Changes Andy Farrell Must Make for Lions’ Second Test vs Australia
#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
- Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
- Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise
Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
Final Verdict:
Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.
#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
- Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
- Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense
Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Final Verdict:
Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.
#3. James Lowe – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
- Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
- Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)
Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Final Verdict:
Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defence. Watch this space.
