Henry Pollock of England has invited praise and criticism in equal measure for his colourful on-and-off the field antics.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has begun his homework on the England squad announced for their visit to Johannesburg for the opening match of the new Nations Championship competition, and he is expecting a “fearless” performance from Steve Borthwick’s charges.
Borthwick named his squad on Monday after the English Premiership final between Northampton and Exeter at the weekend. Northampton won a thrilling final that was packed with adventurous rugby, and Erasmus senses that England will play similarly against the Boks.
“It is a very good England squad. The average age is around 27, but the average caps are about 32, so there is experience, but also a lot of youth, and that means it will be a fearless team,” Erasmus said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“The two teams in that England final competed very well, they had a full go, and with quite a few of the players involved coming to Ellis Park, we know they will hold nothing back.”
