Northampton Saints’ Investec Champions Cup semi-final in opposition to Leinster at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium has been described because the “first acid take a look at” of Henry Pollock’s profession by Andy Goode, however one that would earn him a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour in accordance with Jim Hamilton.
Saints’ 20-year-old flanker has already made a try-scoring debut for England this season, has been nominated for the Investec player of the year, tops the Champions Cup for turnovers and has the second-most tries, however the conflict in opposition to Leinster is considered because the hardest take a look at of his budding profession.
Up in opposition to one of many main contenders to put on the British and Irish Lions No.7 jersey on the finish of the season, Josh van der Flier, Pollock has the chance to stake his Lions declare, stated Goode on The Rugby Pod this week, labelling Leinster an “worldwide crew”.
Goode’s podcast co-host Hamilton went a step additional, asserting that the Englishman will make Andy Farrell’s Lions squad – which can be named subsequent week – ought to he thrive in Dublin.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the lad, but this is the one,” Hamilton said.
“It’s an obvious thing to say, but there’s not going to be a huge amount of space, it’s all going to be about after-contact metres, it’s going to be ‘can he get one turnover?’ Because he’s not going to go into the game and get two or three turnovers against Leinster who are on their hands and knees when they’re blasting through rucks. It’s just not happening.
“But the chip and chase [against Sale Sharks], a few of the stuff he has achieved, he’s regarded completely phenomenal within the Premiership. However that is it. He performs on this sport, I reckon he’s in. Every thing that’s round him, the circus, the media, the profile, all that provides to it, however you’ve bought to do it on the pitch on the highest degree, and that is the extent of the Lions and so they’re all going to be trying.”
Goode added: “Taking into consideration Josh van der Flier has by no means been a British and Irish Lion, everyone seems to be speaking Henry Pollock up, and rightly so for what he has produced.
“It’s his first acid take a look at. Sure, he bought capped in opposition to Wales. He got here on with 20 to go and bought a few tries. He’s had some large performances within the Prem, and sure they solely performed Castres, however he performed nicely in that sport within the quarter-finals. However that is correct, how good are you within the right here and now?
“He is an effective participant, baggage and baggage of potential, we’re loving what he’s doing and the way he’s doing it, however it is a correct ‘how large are your balls?’ Can you are taking the whole lot that you just’ve achieved to date and do it in opposition to a prime worldwide crew in Leinster?
“His battle with van der Flier, we’ll know come Sunday how gamers have performed- whether or not he’s able to take the step to the Lions, as individuals are saying he’s a possible bolter, or your time will are available in 4 years’ time.”
