Pollock centre stage in England audition

TEARAWAY Henry Pollock gets a chance to stake his claim for England's No.8 shirt in the November internationals when he lines up for Northampton against Saracens tonight.

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The 20-year-old was talked up by national boss Steve Borthwick as a candidate for the job during a three-day camp this week as he prepared his side to face Australia next Saturday.

The No.8 pecking order has changed with Tom Willis, who wore the jersey on the summer tour, being axed from the squad after his move to France next season was revealed.

Borthwick also name-checked Ben Earl, a Lion alongside Pollock down under, who is benched by Saracens tonight and could play seven against the Wallabies with Tom Curry recovering from wrist surgery.

But Pollock gets first run at the spot, in a head-to-head with Saracens' Willis, and Saints boss Phil Dowson reckons the one-cap wonder fits the bill.