England rugby has defended Henry Pollock after the young forward made gestures to Argentina fans ahead of the World Cup semi-final. The incident, captured on video, shows Pollock and teammates reacting to local supporters from the team bus.
Henry Pollock Gestures Spark Controversy
Footage emerged on Instagram of Pollock pulling faces and shushing the crowd. The 21-year-old Northampton flanker was part of a group making uncomplimentary gestures at Argentine fans. This comes amid heightened Anglo-Argentinian tensions during the tournament.
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England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, defended the actions as “good natured.” He emphasized Pollock’s character and competitive spirit. However, Borthwick admitted the player was disappointed not to start the match.
Borthwick’s Response and Team Selection
Borthwick stated, “We want character in our game and Henry’s full of character.” He noted that while some players would avoid such behavior, Pollock embraces it. The coach also confirmed Pollock expressed frustration over being benched despite a hat-trick against Fiji.
England opted for continuity, selecting an unchanged starting XV. This decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts. The team faces the Pumas on Saturday in a crucial semi-final clash.
| Player | Action | Coach’s View |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Pollock | Gestures to Argentina fans | “Good natured” |
| Teammates | Pulling faces, shushing | Part of team spirit |
Key Takeaways from the Incident
- Pollock made dismissive gestures from the team bus.
- Borthwick defended the behavior as playful.
- Pollock remains benched despite strong performances.
- Argentina fans reacted with hostility, including hitting the bus.
- England prioritizes player safety amid tensions.
FAQ
What did Henry Pollock do to Argentina fans?
Pollock made dismissive gestures, including shushing and pulling faces, from the England team bus in Buenos Aires.
How did Steve Borthwick respond?
Borthwick called the actions “good natured” and praised Pollock’s character, but did not start him in the semi-final.
Why was Pollock not selected to start?
England’s management chose continuity with an unchanged XV, despite Pollock’s hat-trick off the bench against Fiji.
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