Pollock has ‘wonderful future’, says Sinfield

Men’s Six Nations: England v Italy

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Sunday, 9 March Kick-off: 15: 00 GMT

England skills coach Kevin Sinfield claims that uncapped back row player Henry Pollock has a “wonderful future ahead of him.”

Before their Calcutta Cup match against Scotland, the 20-year-old was called up to England’s training camp after a stellar season with the Northampton Saints.

England Under-20s won the World Cup last summer, and Pollock had an impact, and Sinfield claims the flanker has improved since moving up to the senior set-up.

“Pollock has been outstanding”, Sinfield told BBC Sport at England’s training camp in York.

He has impressed both the coaches and the players in particular.

” He’s got a wonderful future ahead of him. “

Following dramatic one-point victories over France and Scotland, England is still in good shape for the Six Nations.

This weekend’s Six Nations game against Italy will be played at Allianz Stadium, with Sinfield claiming that Pollock is eligible to make his Test debut.

” Henry’s in a squad of 29 here that are fit and available, with four or five that are here rehabbing, “said Sinfield.

England’s comeback victory over France earlier this month marked their first Test victory since 2020, and Fin Smith’s winning penalty against Scotland a fortnight later earned the title against Scotland.

England have acknowledged that their performances haven’t been as good as they’ve hoped, despite the return of the feel-good factor to Allianz Stadium.

Borthwick’s side has kicked the ball more than any other team in the competition, and they were outscored by three tries to one despite ending a four-game losing streak.

Italy arrive at Twickenham after a 73-24 defeat by France, and England are expected to keep their unbeaten run, but Sinfield says it’s unlikely to see another French demolition job.

” First of all we want to win, “said the 44-year-old.

” Previously, we’ve had a couple of tight defeats and our job in sport at this level is to win games.

“We’re not talking about under-9s where it’s about participation and improving and developing. We are attempting to improve every day, it is obvious within.

Because we are at home, “people may have seen the France vs. Italy game and predicted that England would win by 50 points.” Additionally, we must be realistic. Italy are a respectable team, well-coached, and have some excellent players who we are familiar with.

Sinfield, who holds the title of skills coach, claims that his role is very varied and that he has also been seen working with England’s kickers before they address the ball.

Marcus Smith’s disappointing start to the tournament as England’s fly-half and main kicker prevented namesake Fin Smith from scoring Elliot Daly’s winning try late on.

Before Fin Smith took the blame for a long-range penalty from just inside the halfway line, Marcus Smith was given the kicking duties in the victory over Scotland.

Asked whether England have a main kicker, Sinfield said: “Typically it’s been Marcus for this campaign.

It’s important to understand what people’s ranges are because that kick that we changed at the weekend came from bang on the halfway line and at a slight angle. On the field, the guys actually made that choice.

“The balance between them is great. They are aware that the team must come first, which occasionally involves making decisions based on selection, playing positions, and minutes available.

Fin Smith has led the attack from fly-half in Marcus Smith’s previous two games, but Sinfield claims the goal is to make use of the Harlequins playmaker’s size in space.

“I think he’s played in that]full-back] role a number of times for Quins”, added Sinfield. He may not have started there, but he certainly did when Jarrod Evans started playing.

We are aware that he is a world-class number 10, and that sometimes they have to make adjustments in their positions as coaches.

One of Marcus’ strongest traits is that he can beat people and act in situations where the gaps are smaller or larger, and that trying to get him into those positions helped move him to 15