Phil Dowson has launched a firm defence of Henry Pollock’s cameo against Leicester Tigers last weekend, arguing that the 21-year-old should not be treated more harshly than other players who locked horns during a fiery East Midlands derby.
Having entered the fray with Northampton Saints trailing 34-5, Pollock was penalised after a comical set-to with Hanro Liebenberg. The referee Matthew Carley then seemed to warn Pollock for a separate incident, when the latter refused to return the ball to Freddie Steward.
The game ended in a 41-17 loss for Saints but Dowson, their director of rugby, praised Pollock’s attempts to add impetus over his half-hour from the bench.
“I loved his energy, I loved his intensity,” Dowson said. “There are, of course, things that he could manage better and do better. Geoff Parling afterwards said that he loved [Leicester’s] edge and I thought they were right at it.
“They were in our faces and they were very engaged in what they were doing. I don’t think Henry was much different to that. I think he gets a lot of attention. I think the game was pretty feisty from start to finish and, because the cameras are always pointed on Henry, he gets a lot of attention.
“I think he can do things differently. But I’ve got no qualms or issues with the way he went about his work. I thought he came on and tried to have an impact on the game with the way he played.”
Dowson, whose side will bid to bounce back when they host Bristol Bears on Friday night, believes that Pollock “does not care” about the booing he has become subjected to at grounds around England, as well as in France.
Dowson was happy with how Pollock, pictured clashing with England team-mate Steward, tried to have an impact on the game, Getty
However, he hinted that it would be hypocritical to single out Pollock for reproach after a derby that featured five yellow cards and a 20-minute red card.
“Everyone’s winding each other up,” Dowson said. “I have no qualms [with it] and I don’t think Henry has either. He can’t do, really; if he’s going to put it out there, he’s got to expect it to come back.
“What I would say is that there has to be some modicum of parity when you’re offering an opinion on different people and you’re not just saying, ‘Henry’s out of line there,’ because loads of people are doing similar stuff — loads of people talking crap, grabbing collars and trying to fight, or not fight.
“I’ve got no qualms; criticise Henry as much as you want as long as you cover everyone [doing it]. He’s going to get special treatment and I think you’ve got to make sure everyone gets the same standards.”
“You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth,” Dowson added. “You can’t vilify Henry — ‘Look at Henry doing this’ — when it’s going on from the second minute onwards.”