Young England stars Henry Pollock and Noah Caluori are set to start for their country after scoring tries. Saturday’s 73-8 rout of Fiji.
Pollock, 21, scored a hat-trick after coming on as a 48th-minute substitute at Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Caluori, 19, making his debut from the bench, headed home Henry Slade before diving over himself.
“The important thing for me at the moment is that I want to get a starting shirt,” said Pollock, who has started just once in 12 Tests for England.
“Steve (Borthwick) told me before the Fiji game to just go out there and be myself. I hope I did it and I hope he saw enough in me.”
Pollock admitted England’s strength in depth is “insanely good” with Ollie Chessam, Tom Curry, Guy Pepper and Ben Earl also vying for positions in the back row.
However, a successful end to the season with Northampton, coupled with six Test tries in his short international career, prompted Pollock to start the game from the start.
“I’m just trying to focus on myself and my performances. I hope I get results from this,” added Pollock.
Saracens’ Caluori, who finished top of the Prema table this season, will also have to see off some tough competition if he is to secure a long-term starting spot.