Springboks World Cup winner takes swipe at Henry Pollock for not adhering to the ‘values and traditions of the Lions’
Henry Pollock with the Lions mascot, BIL, and head coach Andy Farrell during series.
Henry Pollock was “handled really well” by Andy Farrell after he showed his inexperience and youth during the British and Irish Lions series.
That is according to former Springboks boss Jake White, who felt some of his actions were perhaps not becoming of a Lions tourist.
The England and Northampton Saints loose forward was the big bolter when Farrell’s initial squad was announced having only earned one international cap.
Missed out on Test squad
Pollock, who is still only 20, was praised for his performances in the pre-Test games but he did not manage to get any time on the field during the Tests against the Wallabies.
White felt that was the right call after seeing him during the Lions’ opening match against Australia in Brisbane last month.
“One of the curveballs could have been the effervescent Henry Pollock but I think Andy Farrell handled him really well. I looked at him in the first Test and he was wearing a baseball cap the wrong way round,” he wrote in his RugbyPass column.
“I look at the history, traditions and values of the Lions and it doesn’t warrant you doing that.”
Pollock has certainly divided opinion since bursting onto the scene, with everyone realising his immense talent but some, including opposition players, have not taken well to his on-field exuberance, football-like celebrations and, at times, gamesmanship.
White is one of those who prefers to see rugby’s traditions and behaviours upheld, but the 2007 Rugby World Cup winner expects the English youngster to benefit from his stint with the Lions.
“That’s me talking but to be fair, he got game time, got a feel of what it’s like to be a Lion and while at times, he showed how young he was with the behaviours he exhibited there’s no doubting he has talent,” he wrote.
“I think he will emerge stronger for the experience and will be around the Test game for a long time.”
2025 Lions fail to become legends
Farrell’s men managed to claim a 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies but they failed to become the first Lions side since the 1974 ‘Invincibles’ to win three Tests in a row.
A 22-12 defeat to in Sydney put paid to that as their tour ended with mixed emotions despite ultimately getting the job done.
“They came within one game of being unbeaten which shows it was a successful campaign overall but pre-tour, the Lions were expected to demolish Australia. History will tell us this vintage were no Invincibles,” White added.
“It was a curious tour, one of the few in living memory where there was no off-field drama. No O’Driscoll getting dropped or no Austin Healey column furore.”
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