New Zealand fans were left far from impressed with Henry Pollock\u2019s antics \u2014 from celebrating penalties to his unapologetic stare-down of the haka \u2014 as England stormed to one of the greatest victories in their history.<\/p>\n
England roared back from conceding 12 early points to claim only their ninth win over New Zealand in 120 years, sealing what many are calling the defining triumph of Steve Borthwick\u2019s three-year reign.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n In front of a raucous Allianz Stadium crowd, England delivered four tries and a statement 33\u201319 win \u2014 the first real litmus test of their progress after nine straight victories against lesser opposition.<\/p>\n And, as ever, Pollock found himself right at the heart of the drama.<\/p>\n Social media was swiftly ablaze, with Kiwi supporters venting their fury:<\/p>\n One fan fumed:\u00a0\u201cIf only the Boks were playing England this year, just to absolutely ram this twat Pollock up his own arse.\u201d<\/p>\n Another blasted:\u00a0\u201cPollock you\u2019re good but you\u2019re such an annoying twat. Suppose rugby needs all types of characters.\u201d<\/p>\n A third wrote:\u00a0\u201cHenry Pollock. What a twat, what was that during the haka?!\u201d<\/p>\n Another added:\u00a0\u201cEngland were pretty impressive. Came back from nil down. If it wasn\u2019t for Pollock\u2019s antics, you could actually like them.\u201d<\/p>\n But while some supporters were seething, others absolutely loved every second of the flanker\u2019s mischief.<\/p>\n An England fan hit back:\u00a0\u201cTo all the Pollock haters, hope you enjoyed him setting up the winning try.\u201d<\/p>\n Another said:\u00a0\u201cPollock is such a prick! Absolute prick! But he\u2019s\u00a0our\u00a0prick.\u201d<\/p>\n A third chimed in:\u00a0\u201cRather enjoyed that. Pollock makes me smile inside.\u201d<\/p>\n And one amused supporter simply marvelled:\u00a0\u201cThe Pollock comments on here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Whether you call him a menace or a master of chaos, one thing is certain: Henry Pollock once again stole the show \u2014 and everybody\u2019s talking about him.<\/p>\n Three England starters who flopped against All Blacks \u2013 who should replace them<\/p>\n Yet despite the triumph, England\u2019s line-out faltered badly throughout, leaving several starters under scrutiny for their performances.<\/p>\n #1. Maro Itoje<\/p>\n Telegraph 4, Mail Online 6<\/p>\n Itoje endured a rare off-day at the line-out, with New Zealand repeatedly targeting England\u2019s calls and disrupting their platform. While his general work rate and impact around the park remained strong, two penalties and his role in the set-piece collapse overshadowed an otherwise solid outing. <\/p>\n Despite the criticism, Itoje remains indispensable \u2014 Steve Borthwick won\u2019t be looking beyond his captain any time soon.<\/p>\n Quotes<\/p>\n Mail Online:<\/a> \u201d\u00a0Bright orange boots but New Zealand targeted England at the line-out. Not one of his stand-out performances but won\u2019t care a jot after huge win.\u201d<\/p>\n