England's Tommy Freeman is looking to silence teammate Henry Pollock as the pair prepare for Saturday's season finale against Argentina in the Nations Championship. Freeman, who has played 29 competitive games this season, acknowledges a friendly rivalry with Pollock, who has scored a hat-trick in the previous match against Fiji.
Freeman's grueling season
Freeman has accumulated over 7,000 minutes of top-level rugby since September 2023, including all three British & Irish Lions Tests on last summer's tour to Australia. The 25-year-old admitted to feeling "built-up anxiety" during the Lions tour and revealed he had been "struggling without realising it" from a mental health perspective. A hamstring injury in November provided some respite, but he has been fully back since before Christmas.
Pollock, meanwhile, is about to participate in his 32nd competitive game, though his active minutes total stands at 1,533, substantially fewer than Freeman's 2,052. Ben Earl and Ellis Genge are also expected to reach similar game counts against Argentina, with Ollie Chessum one behind.
Position debate continues
Freeman has been selected at both centre and wing in England's two Tests this month, fulfilling both roles in Liverpool after a hamstring injury to Alex Mitchell. With Henry Slade in form and England keen to show faith in Benhard van Rensburg and Seb Atkinson, the ideal midfield blend remains unresolved.
Freeman says he finds defending at 13 easier than on the wing and remains open-minded about his best role. "I try and avoid stuff online, but you can see there are people saying: 'He'd be better on the wing.' Or: 'He'd make a great centre.' But I'll go where I'm needed for the team. As long as I'm involved I don't mind," he said.
Rivalry with Pollock
Freeman is eager to score on Saturday to silence Pollock, who has been quick to point out his three tries against Fiji. "As you can imagine we've had a lot of stick from him. But he's rapid, isn't he? While his acceleration is very good and he's a powerful guy I'd like to think I've got him for top-end pace otherwise I'll be struggling for a job," Freeman joked.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth emphasised the motivation for the players: "Your motivation is to be playing for England. You're away with the country you want to be playing for. I'm sure all the players will have some well-deserved rest and relaxation after this, but at the moment it's about what we're doing this week."
