Saracens and Scotland legendary hardman, Jim Hamilton, has shared that he feels Henry Pollock will have a massive target on his back against nations like South Africa.
Speaking after the derby defeat to Leicester on the RugbyPod this week, Hamilton commented that he liked what Pollock brings to the game as a whole. Pollock is currently one of the most recognisable faces in the game. He signed for Eddie Hearn’s talent agency, Matchroom, this year.
This media attention for Pollock also brings a lot of hate from opposing fans. Opposing players will often try to wind him up and get a reaction from him.
Hamilton warned Pollock that this will be particularly apparent when England face South Africa this summer in the Rugby Nations Championship. England will face South Africa in the opening round of the tournament.
Hamilton also added that it is in games like this that players like Pollock can really prove themselves.
While he will have a “target on his back” as Hamilton says, he could provide a massive statement to the rugby world if he can stand up to the physical challenge he will face in South Africa this summer.
What happened in the game vs Leicester Tigers?
Pollock started the game on the bench and came on when no hookers were on the pitch. He was thrown in the deep end straight away by being asked to throw into the lineout.
As a non-hooker, the throws weren’t straight, and Northampton were penalised.
After one of the throws, he showed his character and clashed with Hanro Liebenberg. This is something the panel on the Rugby Pod felt would be targeted by the South Africans during the summer series. Fans reacted with many labelling the back rower foolish.
A warning shot fired to Henry Pollock
Hamilton and Goode noticed the way that Pollock was handled by referee Matt Carley.
Carley gave Pollock a stern warning after some of his antics in the game.
The podcasting duo warned that Pollock may have built a negative reputation amongst referees as well as amongst opposition players before a ball has been kicked. This could lead to him getting more harshly looked upon by officials. He will be scrutinised more closely than other players on the pitch.
