Itoje tells Pollock to ‘keep the fire’ after golden boy earns sensational call-up

MARO ITOJE told wonderkid Henry Pollock to keep doing his thing on this summer’s Lions tour — and the new captain knows what he is talking about.

- By Adam Hathaway

Eight years ago in New Zealand, Itoje was the next big thing and the youngest player in the squad — as Pollock, just 20, will be in Australia.The Northampton forward’s name got the biggest cheer of the 38 read out byLions tour manager Ieuan Evans in front of 2,000 fans at London’s 02 arena, and he has only one cap. Being the cub in the pride brings with it an extra responsibility, with that player entrusted with looking after Bill, a cuddly Lion mascot, for the entire trip.

Itoje did that in 2017 andplayed in all three Tests against the All Blacks, becoming a cult figureand earning his own chant from the fans.

This time last year flanker Pollock had not started a Premiership match for Northampton.