Ex-Springboks captain Bob Skinstad has responded to Eddie Jones after being caught in the crossfire following England’s heavy defeat to Ireland in the Six Nations.
Steve Borthwick’s men were thrashed 42-21 by Andy Farrell’s side in what was an embarrassing result and performance in front of their own fans.
Inevitably, various opinions have been flying around, delving into what exactly has gone wrong for the Red Rose over the past two matches.
Jones was one of those to give his thoughts while appearing on the Rugby Unity podcast where he compared Pollock to the former South Africa back-rower.
Jones’ verdict on Pollock
“Pollock to me is like, if you go back, Bobby Skinstad – good-looking, always got a suntan and he can play,” Jones said.
“He’s one of those blokes who is 20 minutes, who finds himself in the right position, but he’s not a ‘grind’ player.”
It almost felt like a slight on both players, with South Africans leaping to the defence of Skinstad online, but the former Boks skipper did not see it that way.
“Any likening to a young guy like Henry Pollock is a fantastic compliment so I will thank him for that because what an amazing player,” Skinstad told the Telegraph.
“He’s highly skilled, works really hard, incredible in the ball-carrying and speed areas. Those are his natural talents.
“But he also does things in other areas like great steals on the ground, good cover tackler and he’s got a bit of pizzazz. I love that. It’s exactly what rugby needs.”
Skinstad ultimately does not believe that there are too many similarities between them with the 49-year-old insisting that Pollock has developed the role of a modern day back-row.
“I did try to do things differently which is what Henry does. I think he’s taken my slight expansion of the role, torn up the hymn sheet and written a whole new song, which is a much better song. He plays all the instruments in the band. Compliments to him,” he said.
“I think he is a wonderful player. I love watching him, my kids love watching him. I think rugby is better off with him. I was a young player who tried to do things differently so that’s probably where the analogy can stop.
“If you are doing stuff that makes people write about you then you are an asset in the game and that’s what he is.”
Eddie Jones: Henry Pollock not a ‘grind’ player as he likens England star to Springboks legend
Skinstad’s dig at Jones
As for Jones, Skinstad praised the Australian’s knowledge and understanding of the game but couldn’t resist a dig at the former England boss over his ‘grind’ reference.
“Eddie has got a very good and broad view of rugby. I think Henry Pollock has got full 80-minute grind in him because he has so much pace and so much ability to affect the game,” he said.
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“The game is evolving. If Eddie Jones wants to play 80 minutes with 15 pure grinders then maybe his coaching record is indicative of not moving with the times.
“I think Eddie has always found an acerbic way of trying to say something so even an underhanded compliment from Eddie is always treasured because they do not roll off his tongue. We are always entitled to Eddie’s opinion whether we want to hear it or not.”