England flanker Henry Pollock has dismissed criticism from South African fans as 'white noise' ahead of the Nations Championship clash with the Springboks this summer. Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance in Northampton's Premiership Rugby final victory over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, Pollock said he ignores 'outside noise' and focuses on his role.
'People can talk all they want,' Pollock said. 'I have always said in my career, I don't listen to outside noise, I don't listen to people's opinion. I am very much locked into my role and my team, and what I need to do for the team and the coaches. And you can have all these opinions about me, and everything like that, but I am just trying to focus on what I do.'
Pollock, who has attracted attention for his confrontational style, added: 'At the end of the day, it's white noise. It doesn't matter to me, it doesn't go into my brain. We'll win trophies, I guess.'
South African Criticism and Ellis Park Reception
Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger, a World Cup winner, had previously dismissed Pollock as a 'TikTok dancer' who 'plays a bit of rugby on the weekend.' Pollock, however, is unfazed by the hostility he may face at Ellis Park. 'Er, no,' he said when asked if he knew why South Africans dislike him. 'They can talk all they want. I guess I keep showing up.'
Pollock is relishing the challenge of facing the Springboks in their backyard. 'We've got three big, big Test matches. Obviously the Six Nations didn't go our way and we are still hurting from that a little bit. There is no bigger challenge than going to South Africa and playing away at altitude in one of the biggest stadiums in the world. Those are the things you dream of.'
Springboks Stars Join Barbarians for Wales Clash
Wales will face additional Rugby World Cup winners next weekend after the Barbarians confirmed the inclusion of South Africa's Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch for their match against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Both players were overlooked for South Africa's Nations Championship campaign but have been drafted into the Barbarians squad by head coach Scott Robertson.
Scrum-half De Klerk scored a try off the bench in South Africa's 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday. Robertson praised the additions: 'It's great to add Faf and Vincent for the Wales week. They are both great players with heaps of quality and experience, but most importantly, they are good men who will embrace all of the values the Barbarians stand for.'
The Barbarians have also added Australia international Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to their pack, further boosting their depth.
France Squad: Penaud Returns, Key Players Rested
Fabien Galthié has named a 39-man provisional France squad for the Nations Championship, with several high-profile players omitted. Damian Penaud, France's all-time leading try-scorer, returns after missing the Six Nations, having scored 11 tries in 29 games for Bordeaux this season.
Notable absentees include Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who is being rested ahead of the autumn internationals, and Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos, who are also set to be rested. No Toulouse players are included due to the club's involvement in the Top 14 final. The final squad will be confirmed on Wednesday.
