Pollock shines on debut as England demolish Australia in record 45-22 rout

Henry Pollock announced himself on the international stage as England recorded a historic 45-22 victory over Australia at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, their largest ever winning margin against the Wallabies, in a performance that served as a pointed show of support for embattled head coach Steve Borthwick.

The result came just two days after a report alleged that Borthwick had presided over a toxic environment during England’s July tour. His players responded with one of the most complete attacking displays of his tenure, crossing for seven tries and ending the self-destructive run of discipline that had produced 15 yellow cards across their previous eight Tests in 2026.

Pollock, a 21-year-old back row whom Borthwick has earmarked as wing cover, made his debut in that position after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso limped off at half-time with a leg injury. Far from being a disruption, the switch proved a revelation. Pollock adapted seamlessly and shared the attacking headlines with Feyi-Waboso, the pair combining for three tries between them before the latter’s departure.

Feyi-Waboso had been England’s chief weapon from the first whistle, repeatedly punching holes in Australia’s defence before his injury. He was denied a try inside two minutes when a forward pass from Ben Curry to Ollie Chessum was spotted a phase earlier, but the warning signs for the Wallabies were already clear.

The try-scoring was opened by Jamie George, who finished a driving maul to become England’s record try-scoring forward with 18, surpassing Lawrence Dallaglio. Chessum added a second from a sweeping move, and Joe Heyes crossed from another maul after Australian prop Angus Bell was yellow-carded for a hip-drop tackle.

Australia briefly threatened when Max Jorgensen intercepted a Jack van Poortvliet pass to score just before half-time, but the fightback was short-lived. Van Poortvliet himself crossed shortly after, and England continued to build through Pollock and Tommy Freeman on the wings.

Henry Slade was named man of the match for his control of the midfield, while Ollie Chessum and Maro Itoje also impressed. The only genuine concern for Borthwick was the fitness of Feyi-Waboso and Seb Atkinson, who also limped off during the match.

Australia, plagued by unforced errors and lacking physicality at the breakdown, were largely passive throughout. Ryan Lonergan kicked a penalty and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii offered occasional aerial threat, but the Wallabies were unable to sustain any meaningful pressure.

The two sides are projected to meet again in the quarter-finals of next year’s Rugby World Cup, and on this evidence the gap between them is considerable.