{"id":675678,"date":"2026-07-05T22:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T22:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/675678\/"},"modified":"2026-07-05T22:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T22:00:08","slug":"henry-pollock-accused-of-cheating-against-the-springboks-in-viral-clip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/675678\/","title":{"rendered":"Henry Pollock accused of \u2018cheating\u2019 against the Springboks in viral clip"},"content":{"rendered":"

Henry Pollock has once again found himself at the centre of attention after a clip from England\u2019s defeat against South Africa went viral.<\/p>\n

The footage shows the England back-row lying on the floor at the back of a ruck before he appears to reach out and grab a Springbok lock by the ankle as the forward attempts to move away.<\/p>\n

\u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n

Watch closely and Pollock seems to get hold of his opponent\u2019s ankle for a split second before quickly letting go.<\/p>\n

The moment sparked a huge reaction from fans, with one accusing the youngster of \u201cplain cheating\u201d.<\/p>\n

Another joked:\u00a0\u201cHe was admiring his boots.\u201d<\/p>\n

A third added:\u00a0\u201cTrying to hold his boot to lick it clean. Acceptable practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, others were far less amused.<\/p>\n

One fan wrote:\u00a0\u201cNot cheeky, not playful, just plain cheating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pollock is quickly developing a reputation as one of rugby\u2019s biggest wind-up merchants \u2014 and moments like this probably explain why he is becoming a marked man.<\/p>\n

Watch closely as Pollock appears to try and trip the Springbok lock in typical cheeky fashion. Then he wonders why he\u2019s a marked man\u2026 \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/IrVKtCgdkY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ruck Rugby\ud83c\udfc9 (@RuckRugby) July 5, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n

Four England players who flopped against Springboks \u2013 and who should replace them<\/p>\n

With Fiji up next at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, changes could now be on the cards.<\/p>\n

Here are four England players who struggled against the Springboks \u2013 and who should replace them.<\/p>\n

Marcus Smith<\/p>\n

Thrown into the starting XV at the 11th hour after George Furbank was ruled out with appendicitis, Smith once again found himself deployed in the more unfamiliar full-back role.<\/p>\n

There appeared to be an alarming lack of communication in England\u2019s back three early on, with high balls allowed to bounce and South Africa immediately putting the visitors under huge pressure.<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s one-on-one defence was then exposed by Kurt-Lee Arendse for the Springboks\u2019 third try, with the diminutive playmaker unable to bundle the winger into touch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA \u2013 JULY 04: Kurt-Lee Arendse of South Africa scores his team\u2019s third try whilst under pressure from Marcus Smith of England during the 2026 Nations Championship match between South Africa and England at Ellis Park Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag \u2013 Nations Championship\/Nations Championship via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

There were some brighter moments. His pass resulted in Arendse deliberately knocking the ball on and receiving a yellow card, while Smith added value when stepping up as a first receiver.<\/p>\n

However, he was largely anonymous after the break and was caught biting in defensively in the build-up to Jesse Kriel\u2019s try.<\/p>\n

Smith remains a world-class fly-half, but England\u2019s continued attempts to turn him into an international full-back remain unconvincing.<\/p>\n

Replacement: Freddie Steward<\/p>\n

If fit, Steward should return at full-back against Fiji. England need greater security under the high ball and a more natural presence in the No.15 shirt.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/p>\n

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