British and Irish Lions: Henry Pollock tipped to fly excessive on the most important stage by head coach Andy Farrell | Rugby Union Information

Head coach Andy Farrell insists Henry Pollock has the temperament to thrive on the most important stage after giving the England star his first begin for the British and Irish Lions.

Pollock made his Lions debut as a alternative within the 28-24 defeat by Argentina that opened the tour and has now been promoted to No 8 for Saturday’s first fixture on Australian soil towards Western Drive in Perth, stay on Sky Sports activities.

At 20 years outdated, the swaggering Northampton back-row is the squad’s youngest participant and fewer than six months in the past he was enjoying within the U20 Six Nations.

Maro Itoje described his England team-mate as a “pest” when he was referred to as into the senior camp in the course of the championship and Farrell has urged him to stay fearless.

“Henry’s not been a pest, undoubtedly not! He is been nice,” mentioned Farrell, who has given Pollock permission to proceed doing his well-known strive celebrations.

“He is hungry to be taught and that is excellent as a result of you may see that he is acquired an actual level of distinction.

“He sees issues rapidly and acts upon that. His line operating is fairly good. His consciousness of area, how sharp he’s in his thoughts and his athletic talents are up there with the opposite lads within the squad.

“He is hungry to make a distinction the entire time. However he additionally understands what components of his recreation he wants to enhance. He is acquired an awesome perspective.

“He is actually not overawed. I imply, I like that. You need youngsters to be themselves and he is simply being himself. He does not know any completely different.

“However he is a humble child as nicely. He does not suppose he is acquired all of it, removed from it. You need individuals with confidence and perception as a result of that helps when he takes the sector.

“You don’t need a child to go underneath the radar and in three weeks’ time simply settle right into a facet. You decide him for a purpose.

“He is a Lion similar to the eldest participant. There is not any distinction by any means. His character is infectious to everybody. He is an awesome lad.”

The Lions suffered a 28-24 defeat to the Pumas in Dublin final Friday, and subsequent play Western Drive in Perth on Saturday – their first tour match in Australia, stay on Sky Sports activities.

Farrell introduced his facet for the weekend on Thursday, and has made 13 modifications with Eire hooker Dan Sheehan named captain for his Lions debut.

British and Irish Lions facet to face Western Drive – stay on Sky Sports activities

British and Irish Lions: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Scott Cummings, 5 Joe McCarthy, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Henry Pollock.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Huw Jones, 23 Marcus Smith.

British & Irish Lions tour of Australia on Sky Sports activities

Sky Sports activities will completely present the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, with all three Exams towards the Wallabies and 6 warm-up matches to be proven completely stay.