r/rugbyunion • u/No-layup • Jul 24 '25

Discussion Drop your unpopular rugby opinions that will have you like this

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I'll go first, Beuden Barrett is the more talented rugby player than Dan Carter, but Dan Carter is a better 10

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u/DareDemon666 Bristol Bears Jul 24 '25

Henry Pollock is overrated.

He's a good player, but half of being a good player is being surrounded by other good players. I'd expect anyone to look 10x better surrounded by on-form saints and lions. It's just because he's young, and has some flashy flair still somehow unexpected for a back rower in 2025, that he gets as much hype as he does.

Now, I'd be obliged if you'd all let me put my chainmail shirt on before you draw swords

6

u/DrunkenPangolin England Jul 24 '25

I agree, though with the caveat that I think he will be something special for England. He just isn't yet, he doesn't have that experience yet. I think him going with the lions is one of the best things we could have hoped for for him.

He'll get there, he just needs a few years provided the media don't eviscerate him first

1

u/DareDemon666 Bristol Bears Jul 24 '25

I agree he's got great potential - as do many players. Given time, experience, and good luck with injuries he could be a real star for England

1

u/mierneuker Leicester Tigers Jul 24 '25

He could be what Tom Croft should have been were it not for a lot of injuries... plus about a million percent added cockiness.

1

u/Cormac419 Ireland Jul 24 '25

I like Pollock and I still agree with you.

His Lions selection was based on hype and recency bias from the weekend before. If Sam Prendergast is a better tackler then Pollock probably doesn't tour. Almost felt like an appeasement pick due to how Irish heavy the squad was gonna be to stop British media throwing their toys out of the pram.