British & Irish Lions Squad Selection: Prendergast’s Time Will Come, But Not This Year
The final weekend of British & Irish Lions auditions saw two youngsters make contrasting impressions, with one player potentially securing his place on the plane and another possibly playing himself out of a spot. According to Rugby Pass, Henry Pollock’s name is on everyone’s lips after a stellar performance, while Sam Prendergast’s defensive frailties were exposed once again.
Pollock, who made his England debut seven weeks ago, has scored eight tries in seven games for club and country, impressing with his less flashy skills and force of personality. As Rugby Pass notes, “He made his England debut seven weeks ago and has scored eight tries in seven games for club and country since then but it’s the less flashy bits and his force of personality that are every bit as impressive.” In contrast, Prendergast, who was left out for Ireland in the final round of the Six Nations, had his well-publicised defensive frailties exposed again and looked every inch the emerging but underdeveloped prospect that he is.
Fin Smith, who has nailed down the England number 10 jersey, is likely to be a Lions tourist, and his performance at the weekend confirmed his ticket. As Rugby Pass reports, “Fin Smith was already a likely Lions tourist… after nailing down the England number 10 jersey since Round 2 of the Six Nations, together with starring for Northampton week in, week out, but he confirmed his ticket at the weekend.” Meanwhile, Prendergast, who is also 22-years-old, has a lot less senior rugby under his belt and is less hardened, making a Lions tour a less likely prospect for him this year.
The fly half battle between Smith and Finn Russell is expected to be one of the most talked-about selection decisions, with Owen Farrell and/or Marcus Smith also potentially on the list. As Rugby Pass notes, “The fly half battle might be the most talked about given the high-profile nature of the position but the most competitive area when it comes to Lions selection is back row.” The back row competition is set to be fierce, but Pollock’s performance has made a strong case for his inclusion.
Pollock’s stats from the game against Leinster were impressive, with 18 tackles, 21 defensive rucks, and 59 metres made. As Rugby Pass reports, “He was the top tackler in the game with 18, he hit the most defensive rucks with 21 and he made more metres than any other forward in either semi-final with 59.” His energy and willingness to take on the opposition will likely appeal to head coach Andy Farrell.
If Caelan Doris misses out on the tour due to his shoulder injury, Pollock could be an option at number eight. As Rugby Pass notes, “If the worst fears are confirmed and Caelan Doris does miss out on the tour because of his shoulder injury, Pollock is an option at number eight and there aren’t too many specialists in that position who are likely to be selected.” Ben Earl and Jack Conan are likely to be selected, but Tom Willis may not have done enough on the international stage.
The Rugby Pass report also suggests that Jack Willis, who has won two Top 14 titles and the European Champions Cup with Toulouse, could be a strong contender for the Lions squad. His brother, Tom, is also a potential selection. As Rugby Pass reports, “I’d be taking his France-based brother, Jack, every day of the week though. The Top 14 final may be on the same day as the second game of the Lions tour, if his Toulouse side get that far, but that is still three weeks before the first Test.”
The size of the Lions squad is also a topic of speculation, with some suggesting a 37-man squad and others a larger group. As Rugby Pass notes, “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if a slightly larger squad was taken this time around and that probably does pave the way for the head coach’s son to make the cut, and potentially Marcus Smith too as a fly half cum full back.” One thing is certain, however: Henry Pollock has done enough to secure his place on the Lions tour, and he may even start against the Wallabies in Brisbane on July 19.
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