Erasmus Defends England Rugby Star Pollock Against Critics

Rassie Erasmus has leapt to the defence of England’s rising star Henry Pollock, insisting the 21-year-old should be judged on his rugby rather than the perception that has made him one of the game’s most divisive young figures.

Pollock has quickly developed a reputation as a player many opposition fans and players love to dislike, with his confidence and animated on-field personality drawing strong reactions. But Erasmus believes much of that criticism is based on perception rather than reality.

“There are always three realities,” Erasmus explained. “It’s the opposition’s reality, our reality, and then the media’s and the world’s reality.

“We try to remain as close and truthful to our reality, and the truth is he is an unbelievably good rugby player. Not only on the attacking and defensive side, but also on the physical side.”

The Springbok coach said it would be unfair to judge Pollock’s character without understanding the role he plays within the England squad.

“For us to comment on a guy like him, not knowing what his contribution as a character in their team is, would be stupid because we don’t know.”

Instead, Erasmus suggested the England loose forward has simply been burdened with a reputation at a very young age.

“Players often get a tag. Some players enjoy getting a particular tag, but he is 21 years old. How many dumb things did we not do at that age? If your team wins, your teammates will back you,” he added.

Erasmus warned against allowing Pollock’s extroverted personality to distract from the genuine threat he poses on the field.

“We think he is a very good player and will be a danger. We can’t think that because his personality is a bit out there, he won’t be tough to play against.

“His teammates might love him; they probably do, so what does it matter what the world thinks or says?”

The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning coach added that rugby has always featured players whose personalities divide opinion, pointing to one of South Africa’s brightest young talents as another example.

“We’ve had players like that in the past, and some guys’ characters are such that people latch on to that and form an opinion. Even Sacha is in that mould.”

For Erasmus, though, the Springboks’ focus remains firmly on Pollock the rugby player rather than Pollock the personality.

“All we can do is analyse how he plays rugby, and he’s a massive threat.

“The pundits like to create a bit of hype, the fans probably get upset, but none of us can say we know him as a person, so how can we judge him?”

Asked whether Pollock would fit into the Springboks’ renowned team culture if he happened to have a South African grandmother, Erasmus did not hesitate.

“The way he plays, without a doubt,” Erasmus said.