Pollock lives up to the hype – but is he ready for Test duty?

Henry Pollock should start for the British and Irish Lions in their first Test against Australia in the morning after the night before, which is a simple “take.”

The 20-year-old Northampton Saints star’s 54-7 victory over Western Force was undoubtedly an eye-catching performance that the Australian media was watching.

Pollock “produced a series of tackle-busting runs” according to the state broadcaster, ABC News.

Lions wonder kid, playmaker put Wallabies on notice, the Australian’s headline read.

In the candy store, Pollock looked like a kid as he began his first Lions game.

He occasionally gorged on Western Force while smiling on his face. Tomos Williams scored a first-half try thanks to his pace and lung-busting break, which was then matched by a sublime offload to the Welsh scrum-half.

The audacious chip over the top was followed by a chase and gather before he was forced to leave the ball at the ground. Joe McCarthy scored a try as a result of the move.

Lions captain Dan Sheehan praised him for being brilliant today.

He acts on his own, he says. He plays his own game. He’s probably unique compared to many of the backers.

Off the cuff, see what’s in front of you, and make it happen, I enjoy that rugby. And he can certainly make it happen with his speed and skills.

It’s just about making sure he always does what the team needs to do.

He will continue to advance. He and everyone else will benefit greatly from all these big games because of the experience. From here, he will only get better and better.

Pollock received praise from his peers as well.

Only 30 minutes of Premiership rugby was played by Pollock at the start of the season.

He is now in danger of losing the Lions’ Test.

Perhaps the Lions’ youngest visitor’s lack of fear makes him successful because he plays with it without fear, but that should not be confused with his unparalleled rugby awareness and ability to play rugby.

How then could Lions coach Andy Farrell choose him to play in Brisbane’s first Test?

Pollock’s consistent performance may still cause concern.

He was well-known after watching his impressive performance against Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final.

However, he was not as influential as he was when Bordeaux, in the final, were able to exploit some of his weaknesses.

Then there is maintaining his discipline, which Australians might be able to exploit.

After Elliot Daly’s first try, Pollock, who enjoys a flamboyant celebration, sparked a melee between the two teams.

Although you could argue bonus points to Pollock for eliciting that reaction, it is not just Australian cricketers who are renowned for their “sledging.” Force flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny took exception.

If Pollock were to play in the Tests in the biggest arena, Pollock would need to stay composed.

After Lions infractions, referee Ben O’Keeffe became indignant for reaching over a ruck.

You saw Henry’s point of difference, Farrell said, “You also saw his point of difference because of repeated infringements, which was fair enough, but you also saw his point of difference.”

Farrell appears to have no issues with Pollock, but does he trust him enough to maintain his discipline in a Test match’s cauldron?

It will continue to make headlines over the next three weeks because it is a contentious subject.