Henry Pollock's got it, Steve Borthwick combinations pay off and fearsome finishers - England v Australia Quilter Nations Series storylines

Oops, Henry Pollock did it again. England's peroxide flanker showed up on the big stage once again, as his ability to provide big-game moments surfaced when his side's Quilter Nations Series clash with Australia was on a knife-edge. He was joined by a raft of fearsome finishers off the bench as Steve Borthwick's side got their autumn off to the perfect start. Watch the QNS live on TNT Sports.

Peroxide Pollock's got it

Watching Henry Pollock getting ready to come onto the pitch around the 50th minute, you could already sense something was about to happen. The 20-year-old sprinted up and down the touchline, geeing himself - and others - up with bear hugs, as he readied himself and his team-mates for the battle ahead.

And just seven minutes into his arrival, he delivered with a stunning, out-of-nothing try. He has become not only a forward of high international class in his own right, but also a clutch-moment player, sniffing out weakness and opportunity to deliver match-altering contributions for his team.

Nations Championship

‘A bit weird’ – Earl hits out at ‘brutal’ Nations Championship schedule

21/07/2026 at 10:19

The left-handed scoop of a loose ball close to the ground was one thing, but it was his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time that continues to mark out his elite game IQ.

And of course, it wouldn't have been a Pollock moment without a celebration, delivered in front of a raucous North Stand.

England edge another tight one

What a difference a year makes. Wind back to last autumn, and England were consistently finding themselves on the wrong end of narrow defeats.

They lost to Australia in the last move of the game having shipped 42 points, and then to New Zealand by two points.

That followed similarly tight defeats to New Zealand in the summer tour that had preceded it.

But the tide started to turn in last season's Six Nations, with Steve Borthwick's men edging drama-filled thrillers against France and then Scotland.

On a run of seven wins going into Saturday's meeting with Australia, that winning habit seems to be embedding itself within England's walls, as they once again came out on the right side of a nailbiting battle fought to the end.

With Fiji to come next, England could go into their showdown with New Zealand with a 10-match winning streak on the line.

After their heartbreak at the hands of the All Blacks last year, there might be a helping of revenge on their minds, as well as a desire to truly show how much this team has grown.

Borthwick nails combinations

Having been inside the England camp this week, Danny Care told TNT Sports that their 23 for the Australia clash "screamed" combinations.

He called out the one between George Ford and Tom Roebuck, with the Sale pair regularly combining for their club in the Gallagher PREM.

And that relationship was front and centre of England's early play especially, with Ford dispatching a number of contestable kicks for Roebuck to challenge for, and which often led to the home side making yards.

Earl steams under posts for first try as England make fast start

Video credit: TNT Sports

With Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman also dovetailing well - especially in defence with the livewire Joseph Suaalii kept quiet - it was a successful afternoon for Borthwick's selections as he continues to mould a side with depth and understanding across the park.

Finishers finish off Australia

Pollock's sensational contribution aside, the emptying of the England bench - which began in the final half hour - saw a noticeable uptick in their energy and momentum.

The starters - as was likely their brief - had run themselves into the ground over the preceding half and a bit, and with a bench so strong behind them, it made that option more possible, rather than trying to last the full 80 minutes.

England's fourth try was a prime example of this, with a fresh pack tearing into the Australian forwards at will, driving them backwards at speed with another finisher - Luke Cowan-Dickie - the man to go over on the occasion of his 50th cap.

Cowan-Dickie scores as England break Australia’s resistance with dominant driving maul

Video credit: TNT Sports

---

Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Nations Championship

Borthwick hits out at ‘negativity committee' amid warning over discipline

19/07/2026 at 13:21

Nations Championship

Pollock caught shushing fans as England switch hotels to avoid potential Argentina celebrations

17/07/2026 at 11:08