James Haskell: Henry Pollock deserves to start for England – and I’m still a big fan of Courtney Lawes

James Haskell believes Henry Pollock deserves to be starting for England – and added he remains a big fan of Courtney Lawes.

In an exclusive interview with The Rugby Paper, via Betway, Haskell gave the green light to Pollock who scored two second-half tries in England’s 45-22 win over Australia.

With injury-affected England fielding a new-look side against Japan, Pollock has now been given the opportunity to start at number eight in just his second appearance in the starting XV for his country.

The Northampton Saints star had joked after the Australia game that playing as a makeshift winger was easy, but he now has the chance to impress in a more familiar role.

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Haskell on Pollock and Lawes

Former England back rower Haskell said: “I think it’s interesting that there’s no massive formula to get into England. 

“If you play for a team that’s playing well and you’re playing well within that team, you put yourself in the shop window. 

“There’s work to be done, but at the moment I would start Pollock.

“It depends on the balance of the back row and which other players you put in the mix.”

Veteran Lawes, 37, returned from France to join Sale Sharks, who are currently third-bottom of the Premiership table.

Lawes has left the door open to a national team return having previously retired following the 2023 World Cup.

Haskell said: “I’m a big fan of Courtney. I’m interested to see whether he could get back in. 

“I saw him the other day. We did something for Continental Tyres at Twickenham.

“We did a combine and put some athletes through their paces.

“I spoke to him. It’s difficult. Sale isn’t playing particularly well, and he’s having to find his feet.”

Prem on-pitch quality is ‘unbelievable’ but everything else needs improvement

Haskell, meanwhile, has called for off-field improvements in every area to help Prem Rugby in comparison to the “amazing” Top 14.

Haskell actually saw the positives on the field despite French clubs’ recent performance in European competition.

Bath and Leicester Tigers are clubs who have suffered convincing defeats recently against French opposition. 

But he warned that English rugby was “heading off a cliff” last year, after financial problems within the game, and is urging action again now.

Haskell said: “The product on the field is unbelievable.

“I think Premiership Rugby has had some really nice moments. The skill set on show from the highlights I’ve seen has been great. 

“I haven’t seen a lot of the European stuff, but if you look at the Top 14, some of the things they’re doing are amazing.

“I think the issue with rugby is that the stuff on the field is incredible. It’s probably everything else that needs a bit of improvement. 

“Premiership Rugby seems to be putting more highlights and bits and pieces up, and I think it’s in a good place.”

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