England vs Ireland: Henry Pollock handed first Test start with Maro Itoje set for 100th cap in Six Nations
Henry Pollock set for first international start with captain Maro Itoje to become ninth England centurion; Tom Curry and Ollie Lawrence also start as Steve Borthwick makes three changes to England team looking to bounce back against Ireland in Six Nations after sobering Scotland defeat
Tuesday 17 February 2026 18:45, UK
Henry Pollock will make his first Test start in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland, with captain Maro Itoje poised to earn his 100th England cap.
Northampton forward Pollock, whose seven international appearances have come as a replacement, is one of three changes made by Steve Borthwick in the wake of Saturday's 31-20 defeat against Scotland.
Pollock starts at No 8 and is joined back in the starting XV by Tom Curry, who comes in at blindside flanker. Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper drop to the bench.
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"Henry's full of energy, full of character and full of beans and he's already achieved so much in a very short space of time," said Borthwick. "He's larger than life and each new level you challenge him with, he seems to thrive.
"As a player, he gets people excited, he gets people jumping up and down with joy. He can bring a euphoria to people that not many players can.
"I will challenge him to express himself, be himself, while also bringing the self sacrifice that a team sport needs. Do both.
"He does it wonderfully well and I am looking forward to seeing him do it from the start."
England's other change sees Ollie Lawrence return at centre with Tommy Freeman shifting back to the wing in place of Tom Roebuck.
Henry Arundell retains his place on the wing after escaping a ban following his sending off at Murrayfield.
Pollock has been tipped to flourish on the big stage as a favourite among England fans and something of an antagonist for opposing teams.
"He seems to thrive on that doesn't he? It seems to just keep fuelling more of the energy that is within him," said Borthwick of players that seek to windup Pollock.
"I find it incredible watching him - there are not many players like him. We want superstars in the game."
Analysis: Pollock an 'X factor'
Sky Sports News reporter James Cole:
"Henry Pollock is one of the most exciting young talents in world rugby and deserves his first England start.
"He's an X-factor player. We hear this phrase so often in professional sport these days - but it's no cliche when it comes to Pollock.
"Whether with ball in hand or at the breakdown, he's a menace and makes things happen.
"The 21-year-old British and Irish Lions player will bring pace and dynamism to a back row that struggled in Edinburgh.
"Ollie Lawrence's return at outside centre should add cohesion to an England defence that was brutally exposed in the wide channels by Finn Russell and the Scottish backline.
"Tommy Freeman - a winger by trade - is still learning the ropes and rightfully reverts to 14.
"Borthwick's decision to stick with Henry Arundell after his red card at Murrayfield suggests England will look to play with more pace and ambition against Ireland.
"One thing is for sure - they must give away fewer penalties and miss fewer tackles."
Itoje to earn 100th England cap
Captain Maro Itoje will become only the ninth player to earn 100 England caps when he leads the team out at Allianz Stadium.
"To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro's consistency and professionalism over many years," Borthwick said.
"He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family."
Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith return among the substitutes, with Borthwick opting for a 6-2 split of forwards and backs.
"We're expecting a huge contest at Allianz Stadium and we're excited for it," Borthwick added.
"We know the challenge Ireland will bring and we've selected a side that we believe has the right balance to meet it."
England team to face Ireland
Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Henry Pollock.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
England's 2026 Six Nations fixtures
All times UK and Ireland
- England 48-7 Wales (Saturday February 7) - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Scotland 31-20 England (Saturday February 14) - Murrayfield
- vs Ireland (Saturday February 21) - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.10pm)
- vs Italy (Saturday March 7) - Stadio Olimpico, Rome (4.40pm)
- vs France (Saturday March 14) - Stade de France, Paris (8.10pm)
