England rugby star Henry Pollock was spotted taunting Argentina supporters in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, just hours before the Three Lions suffered a 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semi-finals. Head coach Steve Borthwick was forced to defend his player after the incident, which occurred as the England rugby squad traveled through the Argentine capital following training.
Pollock's Gesture Sparks Tension
Pollock, 21, was filmed from the team bus making gestures at a group of Argentina fans wearing football jerseys. He stuck out his tongue and shushed them, a move reminiscent of his actions in March when he shushed French supporters at the Stade de France during the Six Nations. The England rugby squad had been advised not to leave their hotel in Buenos Aires due to safety concerns, but the team bus encounter occurred during a scheduled trip across the city.
The England football team, managed by Thomas Tuchel, had taken a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon in the first half before two late Argentine goals turned the match around. After the game, tensions escalated further as Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Valentin Barco, and some Argentina players unfurled a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), referencing the Falklands War.
Borthwick Defends Pollock
Speaking to reporters, Borthwick described the incident as 'good-natured' and emphasized that Pollock's actions reflected his character. 'I think it was good-natured and came from a good place,' Borthwick said. 'We want character in our game and Henry's full of character. We've got some players who wouldn't do that and then you've got Henry who would go and do that. Argentina are a very proud nation, as we are. Our players are very proud of our football and rugby teams. So I think it was good-natured.'
Pollock, who scored a hat-trick of tries in his previous outing against Fiji, was named on the bench for Saturday's Nations Championship match against Argentina in Santiago del Estero. Borthwick acknowledged Pollock's disappointment at not starting but praised his competitive drive. 'We've had a number of conversations now because he's definitely expressed his desire to start,' Borthwick said. 'To win games at this level, it's 80 minutes and the impact you have off the bench can be huge. When there's fatigue in the game and there's space, his skill set can really be shown. So I value the people who finish the game as equally as the people who start.'
Broader Context of Rivalry
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between England and Argentina, fueled by the football World Cup semi-final and historical disputes over the Falkland Islands. The Argentina football team's banner after the match prompted FIFA to issue a statement, though no immediate punishment has been announced. Pollock's taunt, while separate, adds to the charged atmosphere as England's rugby team prepares to face Los Pumas.
England's rugby squad left Buenos Aires on Thursday for Santiago del Estero, where they will play at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades. Borthwick has retained the same back row that defeated Fiji last week, with Pollock expected to make an impact off the bench.
