Henry Pollock Set for First England Start of the Autumn Against Japan

England star Henry Pollock is reportedly set to make his first start of the autumn when Steve Borthwick’s side face Japan in the Nations Championship at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Northampton Saints back-row forward is expected to start at number eight following his impressive performance in England’s 45-22 victory over Australia last weekend, during which he scored two tries after coming off the bench.

Pollock’s inclusion would mark his second Test start and provide another opportunity to establish himself in Borthwick’s plans ahead of the 2027 Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

Pollock Rewarded Following Two-Try Performance Against Australia

Pollock was one of England’s standout performers against the Wallabies despite playing much of the second half out of position.

The Northampton forward replaced the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso at half-time and was deployed on the wing, scoring twice in the space of two minutes as England recorded a convincing seven-try victory.

His performance demonstrated the attacking qualities that have made him one of England’s most exciting young players, with his pace, ball-carrying ability and versatility proving valuable to Borthwick’s side.

The expected selection against Japan would give Pollock an opportunity to demonstrate those qualities from the opening whistle, this time in his more familiar position in the back row.

With competition for places remaining strong, another impressive performance could strengthen his case for a regular starting role in the England team.

Borthwick Expected to Make Changes Against Japan

Pollock is not the only player expected to benefit from changes to England’s starting XV, with injuries forcing Borthwick to reconsider several positions.

Gloucester’s Will Joseph is reportedly in line for his first England start on the wing, while Bath centre Max Ojomoh is expected to replace the injured Seb Atkinson at inside centre.

Ojomoh impressed during England A’s 59-24 victory over Argentina XV last week and could be handed an opportunity to partner Henry Slade in midfield.

Meanwhile, Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry have been ruled out for the remainder of England’s autumn campaign. Ollie Chessum and George Furbank are also unavailable for the Japan fixture following injuries sustained against Australia.

Borthwick’s selection decisions will be particularly important with England preparing to face New Zealand the following weekend, followed by the Nations Championship Finals at Twickenham.

The official starting XV is expected to be confirmed on Thursday.

England Target Second Consecutive Autumn Victory

England enter Saturday’s fixture following an encouraging performance against Australia, with the victory keeping their Nations Championship ambitions alive.

Borthwick’s side scored seven tries against the Wallabies, with Jamie George, Ollie Chessum, Joe Heyes, Jack van Poortvliet and Ben Spencer joining Pollock on the scoresheet.

Japan will present a different challenge, with Eddie Jones returning to Twickenham to face the country he previously coached between 2015 and 2022.

The former England head coach will be familiar with several members of Borthwick’s squad, adding another interesting dimension to Saturday’s contest.

England will then host New Zealand on Saturday 21st November in their final group fixture before the inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend.

With the 2027 Six Nations also approaching, the remaining autumn internationals will provide Pollock and several of England’s younger players with opportunities to secure their places in Borthwick’s long-term plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Henry Pollock start for England against Japan?

Henry Pollock is reportedly set to start at number eight against Japan on Saturday 14th November 2026. His selection is expected to be confirmed when Steve Borthwick announces the official England team.

How many tries did Henry Pollock score against Australia?

Pollock scored two tries during England’s 45-22 Nations Championship victory over Australia on Sunday 8th November 2026, despite being deployed on the wing after coming off the bench.

When is England v Japan in the Nations Championship?

England face Japan on Saturday 14th November 2026 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off scheduled for 4:40pm GMT.

Who will England face after Japan?

England will face New Zealand on Saturday 21st November 2026 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, before the Nations Championship Finals Weekend from 27th to 29th November.

When does the 2027 Six Nations begin for England?

England begin their 2027 Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Friday 5th February, before hosting France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday 14th February.