Henry Pollock made a remarkable debut for the British and Irish Lions during a dominant 54-7 victory over the Western Force at Optus Stadium in front of a record crowd of 46,656. The 20-year-old No. 8 showcased his skill by setting up two tries, demonstrating the attacking style encouraged by coach Andy Farrell in response to their previous loss to Argentina.
Pollock’s contributions began early in the match when he executed a powerful run in the 17th minute, displaying composure to assist halfback Tomos Williams for the first try. His versatility was highlighted again in the 55th minute, where he cleverly chipped the ball ahead, leading to a try for lock Joe McCarthy. Despite receiving a yellow card for a ruck infringement later in the game, Pollock’s overall performance has drawn attention as a potential game-changer for future matches, particularly the upcoming Test against the Wallabies on July 19.
In his post-match commentary, Pollock expressed his excitement about being part of a talented group, emphasising the importance of creating connections and being ready for the high stakes of international rugby. His teammates, including wingers James Lowe and Mack Hansen, contributed significantly to the game, with Hansen noting that while they are improving, they still need to reach their peak for the Tests ahead.
The Lions had a shaky first half, leading only 21-7 at halftime despite having less possession. However, they seized control in the second half, scoring five tries against a fatigued Force defence. Williams scored a remarkable counter-attacking try, while two from Elliot Daly and one each from Garry Ringrose and Alex Mitchell capped off a resolute display.
Despite the convincing win, Farrell acknowledged areas needing improvement, especially regarding discipline. He praised the team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to maintain composure as the match progressed.
As the Lions prepare for their next game against Queensland Reds in Brisbane, they are eager to build on this performance, galvanising their squad ahead of the three-Test series against Australia.