British and Irish Lions: Henry Pollock aiming for Test series whitewash over Australia

Despite having only one international cap, former England scrum-half Danny Care believes Pollock should be included in the squad for the first Test against the Wallabies.

Josh van der Flier, the World Player of the Year in 2022, Wales captain Jac Morgan, the in-form Ben Earl, and Tom Curry – who started all three Lions Tests against South Africa in 2021 – are all in contention for the open-side flanker spot.

However, Pollock’s two starts in Australia have come at number eight against Western Force and at blind-side flanker on Saturday.

Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne, who has captained the side twice in Australia, England’s Ollie Chessum and Curry are all in contention to start at at blind-side flanker, with Jack Conan or Earl the leading contenders to start at number eight.

Pollock’s usual position is open-side flanker, where he is yet to start under Farrell, but his versatility and eye-catching breaks may make his X-factor energy suited to an impact role off the bench.

“Pollock is great for that squad,” Care told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly.

“He’s great for the coverage and for the fans.

“Everyone loves him. If you weren’t an England or Henry Pollock fan before, I think you are now. You can see just how much he loves being out there with the boys.

“He may make an error every now and then, but I think he’s special – a special player who will do special things.

“This series is a lot tougher than the Lions have seen so far. I don’t think the Lions have even scratched the surface of how good this Australian team could be.

“You might just need Pollock’s energy in the 23. It’s mad saying this about a 20-year-old.”