Henry Pollock’s emergency role, world-class return, and doubters silenced

Problems? What problems? England dispatched Australia with ease in a record-breaking win. Steve Borthwick ‘s side got their most points against Australia in the 45-22 victory and showcased what the future might hold. Henry Pollock continues to thrill – this time as winger – with a two-try substitute role justifying the noise around him. Jamie George, Ollie ­Chessum, Joe Heyes, Jack van Poortvliet, and Ben Spencer were also able to touch down in the Nations Championship win on home soil. But what did we learn from the clash? talkSPORT’s Will Heaver gives us the lowdown. Henry Pollock The Hybrid Player When Steve Borthwick stated pre-game that star flanker Henry Pollock would be covering back three if there were any injuries off the bench, most people chuckled. However, when Immanuel Feyi-Waboso went down with an ankle injury at half time Pollock appeared on the wing and not only held his own but scored a double. The 21-year-old is so dynamic with ball in hand and while it remains to be seen how good he’d be under the high ball, Australia inexplicably didn’t test him at all, if England need an emergency winger again they know who to call. England Backs Fire On All Cylinders Coach Steve Borthwick has been under fire this week for his dour tactics and rumours that senior players were unhappy with his style of coaching. This performance should silence the doubters for now as the Exeter Chiefs duo of Henry Slade and Feyi-Waboso in particular shone at the Allianz Stadium. Finn Smith also conducted the game incredibly well at 10 and more than justified his selection over Marcus Smith . Maro Itoje Back To Vintage Form Last autumn the pressure was beginning to pile up on England skipper Maro Itoje . But, after taking a break over the summer, the Saracens second-row seems to be returning to his world-class best. A constant nuisance to the Wallaby pack, Itoje is one of the best in the world when he is on and on Sunday afternoon he looked to be rounding back into form. A Great Win But Tougher Tests Ahead The tally of 45 is a record number of points scored by England against the Wallabies, and it must be said the men from Down Under were incredibly poor for the first 60 minutes of yesterday’s game. Fly-half Declan Meredith looked far out of his depth and Les Kiss’ men were inexplicably narrow in attack making it incredibly easy for England to defend. Borthwick will undoubtedly rotate next week against Japan, but the week after against New Zealand looks to be a mouth-watering contest. It will provide a bench mark to see where England match up against the world’s best.