The divisive England back-row was met with a remarkable reaction during the Nations Championship
Henry Pollock was met by a chorus of boos as he stepped onto the pitch during England’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
The Northampton Saints flanker was already a divisive figure in Argentina, having been filmed goading football fans ahead of the World Cup semi-final between the two countries on Wednesday.
Steve Borthwick had to step in to defend the 21-year-old later in the week, after he was filmed shushing supporters from the team bus in Buenos Aires.
Argentina were mounting a comeback when England turned to the divisive Pollock from the bench.
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Having been 19-3 up at half-time, Argentina got the scoreline back to 19-17 – with England losing two to the sin-bin in relatively quick succession.
The second yellow card for Alex Coles handed Argentina a penalty try to close the gap to two points.
Amid the celebrations in the ground, England brought Pollock – who scored a hat-trick against Fiji last week – on, with the back-row’s introduction met by boos.
“Henry Pollock comes on and listen to the boos,” said ITV commentator Nick Mullins.
“His reputation has travelled far and wide. They all saw the photograph from the team bus before the football on Wednesday.
“Boos now mingling with celebration and this place is soudning like an Argentinean sports stadium.”
“England are bang up against it now. I know they’re still in front but the momentum is now going Argentina’s way,” added David Flatman.
Pollock would have the last laugh, with his carry leading to England’s fourth try for Marcus Smith minutes later as Argentina lost two of their own to the line.
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