When Henry Pollock burst through Australia’s defensive line in the 59th minute, the rain-soaked stands at Twickenham Stadium erupted. The 20-year-old back-rower, barely two Tests into his international career, had just scored his third try for England — a moment that turned a tense 17-14 contest into a decisive 25-7 victory over Australia on Saturday, November 1, 2025. It wasn’t just a try. It was a statement. And it capped England’s first win against one of the southern hemisphere’s big three since 2022.
From Tense to Dominant: How England Broke the Deadlock
England led only 10-7 at half-time despite dominating territory and possession. George Ford opened the scoring with a 35-metre penalty, then Ben Earl finished off a slick backline move after Tom Roebuck outjumped Australia’s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to gather a box-kick. But Harry Potter’s 40-metre intercept try — a solo run that mirrored Max Jorgensen’s infamous 2024 heroics — had the Wallabies buzzing again. The match was slipping away from England’s grasp. Until it didn’t.Enter Pollock. Subbed on in the 51st minute, he was one of five British and Irish Lions brought in by Steve Borthwick — the so-called "Bomb Squad." Within minutes, Pollock pounced. Australia’s kick was fumbled under pressure from Roebuck. Pollock, still nursing a sore ankle from training, snatched the loose ball and sprinted 30 metres, sidestepping one tackler and powering through another. RugbyPass called it "a try of poise and power." Suddenly, England led 22-14.
Why Australia Wasn’t at Full Strength
Australia’s squad was a shadow of its potential. Key players — Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, James O'Connor, and Will Skelton — weren’t released by their European clubs because the match fell outside World Rugby’s designated international window. Meanwhile, England’s Rugby Football Union had a binding agreement with Premiership Rugby, ensuring full availability. It wasn’t just about numbers. It was about rhythm. Australia had played 11 Tests in 2025; England, eight. Their last match? A 19-15 win over Japan in Tokyo just six days prior. Australia? Their last outing was in mid-October in the Pacific Islands. The gap in match fitness showed."This year we have 15 Test matches across 20 weeks, in eight countries, in 10 different time zones," said Joe Schmidt. "I’d be happy to swap that for four training sessions, to be honest." Borthwick, meanwhile, had been blunt: "We’ve got four sessions, they’ve got four months. That’s fact."
The Revenge Factor: Jorgensen’s Redemption Arc Fails
Last year, Max Jorgensen — now wearing No. 14 — scored a last-gasp try to snatch a 42-37 win at Twickenham. He was the villain in England’s dressing room. This time, he was marked relentlessly. Pollock’s try came just minutes after Jorgensen was penalized for a dangerous high tackle. He finished the match with zero points, zero tries, and zero impact. Former England wing Ugo Monye put it bluntly: "They built this game around getting revenge. And Pollock was the weapon they didn’t know they had."
What This Means for the 2027 Rugby World Cup
This win wasn’t just about pride. It was about seeding. The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by Australia, and the December draw will determine who gets top-six seeding — meaning easier pools, home advantage, and better preparation. England’s eighth straight win vaults them into the top four of the world rankings. A win against New Zealand next week could push them into the top three. For Australia, the loss is a red flag. They’re now outside the top five, and their path to seeding is getting steeper by the week.Pollock: The Quiet Storm
Pollock’s rise has been meteoric. He made his debut in March 2025 against Wales, scoring two tries off the bench. He was then named to the British and Irish Lions squad for the summer tour — an unprecedented leap for a player with fewer than 15 club appearances. His calm under pressure, footwork, and work rate have drawn comparisons to former England greats like James Haskell and Ben Morgan. But he doesn’t talk much. "He just goes out and does his job," said Borthwick after the match. "No ego. No flash. Just results."He’s now the first England player since 2012 to score three tries in his first two Tests. And he’s not even eligible for the Lions’ next tour yet — because he’s still too young. The future isn’t coming. It’s already here.
What’s Next?
England’s Autumn Nations Series continues with Fiji next Saturday, followed by New Zealand and Argentina — all at Twickenham. Australia’s next Test? Not until mid-December, when they face Samoa in Suva — and even that depends on whether their clubs release them. Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Union is quietly pushing for a permanent change to World Rugby’s release calendar, arguing that northern hemisphere teams are at a structural disadvantage.Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Henry Pollock so impactful despite being a substitute?
Pollock’s impact came from timing and physicality. He entered the game at 51 minutes, when Australia’s forwards were fatigued from 11 Tests this year. His speed and ball-carrying ability disrupted their defensive structure, and his third try came from exploiting a turnover — a direct result of England’s pressure. He’s become Borthwick’s secret weapon in tight games, and his two tries on debut against Wales proved he belongs at this level.
How did club release policies affect Australia’s performance?
Australia lost four key players — Ikitau, Hooper, O’Connor, and Skelton — because their clubs weren’t obligated to release them for a match outside World Rugby’s designated window. England, by contrast, had a binding agreement with Premiership Rugby, ensuring full squad availability. This created a 10-15% drop in Australia’s average match fitness and cohesion, which was evident in their poor breakdown work and lack of continuity in attack.
What’s the significance of England’s win for the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
Winning against Australia — one of the southern hemisphere’s "big three" — boosts England’s world ranking points significantly. A top-six seeding guarantees a more favorable World Cup pool, avoiding heavyweights like New Zealand or South Africa in the group stage. England now sit in the top four, and a win over New Zealand next week could lock them into the top three, giving them home advantage in at least one knockout match.
Why did Steve Borthwick bring on five Lions in the 51st minute?
Borthwick’s "Bomb Squad" — including Tom Curry, Maro Itoje, and Sam Underhill — was designed to overwhelm Australia’s tired pack. Curry, returning from wrist surgery, added physicality at the breakdown. The move wasn’t just tactical; it was psychological. It signaled England’s intent to close the game decisively. The change worked: Australia scored zero points after the 51st minute.
Is Henry Pollock a lock for the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad?
At 20, Pollock is still developing, but his two Test matches have already outperformed many veteran back-rowers. With his combination of pace, work rate, and game intelligence, he’s the prototype modern No. 8. If he stays fit and continues to adapt to international defenses, he’ll be a starter by 2027. The Lions’ selection last summer was a clear signal: he’s on the radar for the long term.
What’s next for the Autumn Nations Series?
England face Fiji next, then New Zealand and Argentina — all at Twickenham. Fiji will test their defensive discipline, while New Zealand will be the ultimate barometer. Australia’s next Test is in December against Samoa, but only if their clubs release players. Their schedule remains chaotic, while England’s is structured, consistent, and focused on World Cup preparation.
