Scarlets cannot be distracted by X-factor Pollock

Scarlets must not get tangled up in worries about “controversial” all-action England forward Henry Pollock in Northampton, according to Josh Macleod.

If Llanelli wants to be a knockout champion in European rugby, they must cause an upset in the Champions Cup.

Scarlets must win the tournament with a four-try bonus in order to place in the last 16 tie, while a win without a bonus would mean the consolation of dropping into the Challenge Cup.

The Saints are at the top of the Prem and are recovering from their weekend defeat at Bordeaux-Begles.

He’s the X-factor, and Pollock’s flanker Macleod remarked, “He’s X-factor, there’s no hiding from it.”

As Saints attempt to bring their home record to 16 with the exception of two tries against Wales in Cardiff last year, Pollock will lead the charge.

The back-row forward is only in his second professional season, but he has already come to be one of the most recognizable figures in the pantomime and villain.

Scarlets will be wary of his explosive carrying after the Lions tourist responded to the Bordeaux crowd’s jeers last weekend with a double, the first of which was a remarkable chip, chase, and gather down the left wing.

However, the Saints also have a strong matchday lineup that includes Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, and Alex Mitchell from England.

You have to be concerned about the pitch because there are 14 other guys on it, Macleod said.

Northampton are leading the way in England and last lost on home soil in Europe in 2023, while Scarlets are bottom of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and winless in Europe.

The bookmakers don’t rate a victory away from home, but Macleod insists that people move with faith.

We have a fighting chance, more than a fighting chance, he said, if everyone is on point and everyone performs.