England rising star Henry Pollock has been warned he faces a hostile reception in South Africa ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Springboks, with some supporters admitting they “hate” the Northampton back-row and one even threatening to throw something at him during the match.
Pollock has become one of rugby’s biggest talking points over the past year thanks to his explosive performances and confident personality, but his growing reputation has divided opinion among South African fans.
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“We hate that guy”
Speaking to the Mail in a sports bar in Pretoria’s Blue Bulls heartland, one 23-year-old student admitted Pollock is one of the least popular opposition players in the country.
“He’s a good player but we f***ing hate that guy. All the South Africans hate that guy.
“He’s arrogant. In South Africa we would call him a windgat. In South Africa our rules are very respectful.
“Our rugby players have short hair. It’s a bit like the military. Pollock is arrogant and we hate arrogant players, but he backs it up.”
The hostility even escalated into a threat, with the fan saying he intended to target Pollock during the match.
“I’m going to be at the match and if I have something to throw at him, I will throw it. We hate him but he brings something to the game.”
“He’s going to get hurt”
Another supporter predicted Pollock would be on the receiving end of some huge tackles from the world champions.
“Pollock’s a very good player but he’s going to get hurt this weekend. We grow up humble in South Africa.
“Pieter-Steph du Toit is a humble boy, no frills, yet he’s the best player in the world. If Pollock comes in all arrogant then they are going to f***ing hurt him.
“It will be clean play but he’s going to take some big shots. Wiese is going to come hard.
“Our boys have got a job to do. They’re not here for sideshows. He rocks up at 21 with all the sideshows in the world and it p***es us off.
“What’s more irritating is he backs it up because he’s bloody good.”
Henry Pollock didn’t hesitate naming the best back-rower of all-time
The rankings, filmed in collaboration with Premier Sports, featured a fascinating mix of modern greats and all-time legends — and it’s safe to say plenty of supporters will have their own opinions on where Pollock got it right… and where he got it wrong.
5. Ardie Savea
One of the most complete forwards of the modern era, Savea blends explosive power with elite handling and pace rarely seen in a flanker.
A standout for the All Blacks, he has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, evolving from an impact player into a world-leading figure and national captain. His ability to dominate collisions, win turnovers, and link play makes him a prototype for the modern back-rower.
