Springboks news: Rassie Erasmus praises star Henry Pollock ahead of England Test

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has praised England loose-forward Henry Pollock ahead of the Test at Ellis Park on Saturday, July 4, describing the rising star's recent performances as “exceptional”.

Pollock has emerged as one of the most talked-about players in world rugby over the past year and is expected to play a key role when England face the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Speaking after naming his squad for the opening Nations Championship fixture, Erasmus acknowledged the growing attention surrounding the Northampton Saints star but insisted his focus remains on Pollock's performances rather than the hype.

Erasmus impressed by Pollock

Pollock's rapid rise has made him one of England's headline names heading into the new international season.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Northampton and has continued to strengthen his reputation at Test level.

When asked about Pollock's inclusion in England's squad, Erasmus offered a glowing assessment.

"He's like Siya," Erasmus said. "People make a big deal about certain players, but I don't always think the players themselves want that attention."

The Springbok coach believes performances on the field are ultimately what matter most.

"What counts is what they do on the field, and recently, he's been doing that."

"If I were coaching him, I'd only look at his output, and that has been exceptional."

England pose major challenge

While Pollock has attracted significant attention, Erasmus stressed that England possess quality throughout their squad.

"The England squad is good," he said.

"Their average age is about 27, and Test caps around 32, so it's a young yet experienced squad."

Erasmus believes England have struck a strong balance between youth and experience.

"There are a few older players in their 30s, which brings the experience, but the young guys will add fearlessness into a team that was in the World Cup semi-final and who have competed really well off the back of the Premiership."

The Springbok coach expects a stern examination at Ellis Park.

"It's a very competitive squad, and we know we'll have to work really hard against them at Ellis Park next week if we want to get a win."

Boks preparing for the unknown

Erasmus also highlighted the challenge of preparing for an England side coached by Steve Borthwick.

Rather than focusing heavily on England's Six Nations campaign, the Springboks have concentrated on studying individual players and broader trends.

"We tend to look more at the individual players than at the team structure to gauge what they'll do," Erasmus said.

"There will be strong Northampton and Leicester representation in their squad, and they always evolve their structures."

He admitted England remain difficult to predict tactically.

"Steve is someone who works with numbers and chases trends, and that's always difficult to prepare against."

"If I say we know exactly what they'll do next Saturday, I'd be lying."

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Kolisi relishing captaincy role

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, whose first Test as captain came against England at Ellis Park in 2018, said the focus remains on ensuring the squad continues to grow together.

"It's a really good feeling," Kolisi said.

"Everything starts from the top, and I think the biggest thing is to make sure the team remains the most important aspect."

The loose forward also highlighted the responsibility senior players have in helping younger squad members settle into the environment.

"For us who have been here for a while, it's about passing on as much information as we can to make sure everyone is up to speed."

Focus remains on England

The Nations Championship may form part of the broader international calendar, but Erasmus insists the Springboks are not looking beyond their next challenge.

"For many years, it's mostly been about the world rankings, so we just want to try and win every match and build squad depth, character, and a playing style that everyone is used to when we get to the World Cup next year," he said.

For now, that focus is firmly on England.

And with Erasmus publicly acknowledging Pollock's influence, one of rugby's most exciting young talents is already shaping up to be a major talking point heading into Ellis Park.

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