# James Haskell: Henry Pollock starts for England

> Haskell backs Pollock for England start after Australia win, remains a fan of Lawes.
- Title: James Haskell: Henry Pollock starts for England | Shortify
- Summary: Haskell backs Pollock for England start after Australia win, remains a fan of Lawes.
- Keywords: henry pollock, courtney lawes, england, premiership rugby, sale sharks, autumn internationals, james haskell, northampton saints, top 14, The Rugby Paper
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/497467/james-haskell-henry-pollock-deserves-to-start-for-england-and-im-still-a-big-fan-of-courtney-lawes
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-11-12T16:05:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: henry pollock, courtney lawes, england, premiership rugby, sale sharks, autumn internationals, james haskell, northampton saints, top 14, sports
## James Haskell backs Pollock
James Haskell believes Henry Pollock deserves to start for England after scoring two second-half tries in England's 45-22 win over Australia.

> I think it’s interesting that there’s no massive formula to get into England.
## Pollock's England opportunity
With injury-affected England fielding a new-look side against Japan, Pollock has now been given the opportunity to start at number eight in just his second appearance in the starting XV for his country.
## Lawes joins Sale Sharks
Veteran Lawes, 37, returned from France to join Sale Sharks who are currently third-bottom of the Premiership table.
## Lawes' England return
Lawes has left the door open to a national team return having previously retired following the 2023 World Cup.
## Haskell on Lawes
Haskell said: 'I’m a big fan of Courtney. I’m interested to see whether he could get back in. I saw him the other day. We did something for Continental Tyres at Twickenham.'

> I’m a big fan of Courtney. I’m interested to see whether he could get back in.
## Haskell on Pollock
Haskell said: 'It depends on the balance of the back row and which other players you put in the mix.'

> It depends on the balance of the back row and which other players you put in the mix.
## Premiership quality
Haskell said the product on the field is unbelievable, but everything else needs improvement compared to the 'amazing' Top 14.
## Haskell's call for action
Haskell urged off-field improvements in every area to help Prem Rugby in comparison to the 'amazing' Top 14.
## Key takeaway

James Haskell says Henry Pollock deserves England start and remains a big fan of Courtney Lawes.