Henry Pollock earns second England rugby start against Japan
England named Henry Pollock to start at number 8 against Japan after he scored eight tries in his first 14 Tests.
Why it matters
These selections signal England's strategy a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia, testing younger players and those returning from injury or exclusion.
In Australia. The Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia in 2027, so England's team building affects Australian rugby's hosting event.
Key facts
- 8
- Pollock's tries in 14 Tests
- 21
- Pollock's age
- 4
- Joseph's years away from England
- 26
- Ojomoh's age
- England made sweeping changes to face Japan on Saturday in the Nations Championship.
- Only three players kept their starting spots from the Australia game.
- Henry Pollock, 21, gets his second start at number 8 after impressing as a substitute.
- Will Joseph, 24, returns to the England lineup after four years away, having lost hearing in his left ear to an auto-immune condition.
- Max Ojomoh, 26, makes a remarkable return to the starting XV after being left out of the squad entirely until his stellar performance for England A last Friday earned promotion.
- George Ford was named at fly-half.
