Henry Pollock beats Bok legend in Top 100 and SA fans respond in force

RugbyPass have announced the latest 20 players in their Top 100 countdown, with England’s Henry Pollock capping a breakthrough year with a place in the top 50.

The 20-year-old has finished in 47th, and is one of five newcomers in the latest batch of 20 players (60-41), with compatriots George Ford and Tommy Freeman also making the list for the first time.

The flanker’s place on the list is perfectly justified, but his position above South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, who became a centurion this year, has caused quite a stir among Bok fans.

While the double World Cup-winning Bok captain still finished in the top 50, he is two places below England’s rising star, in 49th.

The battle between the two flankers has overwhelmingly dominated the comments online, largely from disgruntled South African fans.

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Kolisi’s position was always going to be contentious given the way he is revered in his homeland, but it has not been universally questioned, though, with one fan writing, “I think Kolisi, the player, is placed perfectly.”

Though Pollock is only in the foothills of what promises to be a successful career, he has become one of the most-discussed players in the game over the last year, largely due to his persona.

On the field, his performances warrant a place in the Top 100 after a year where he made a double try-scoring debut for England in the Six Nations, became the youngest British and Irish Lions tourist in over 50 years, and finished the year by becoming the poster boy of England’s ‘Pom Squad’ in the Quilter Nations Series, producing a number of match-defining moments from the bench.

On the club scene, the five-cap international was also instrumental in helping Northampton Saints reach the Investec Champions Cup final, scoring a solo try in their memorable 37-34 semi-final win over Leinster in Dublin.