Gallagher Prem Team Of The Week: Henry Pollock stars again

Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 09:55

byRugby Rucker

It was a blockbuster weekend across the Premiership, with several England hopefuls standing tall while others wilted.

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Northampton Saints’ dominance over Saracens means they unsurprisingly feature heavily, joined by standouts from Bath, Exeter and Leicester.

Here’s our Team of the Week following Round 5 of Premiership action ?

1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins)

Dominated Newcastle’s pack from the opening scrum, showing why he’s fast becoming one of England’s brightest front-row prospects. Relentless in the loose, tidy in defence, and technically superb at the set piece. Baxter’s scrummaging completely dismantled the Red Bulls and gave Harlequins the platform for a thumping 52–14 win.

2. Tom Dunn (Bath)

Making his 251st appearance for Bath, Dunn was flawless at the line-out and brutal in contact. A true leader in the front row, he epitomised Bath’s power game in their 40–15 demolition of Bristol. His consistency, grit, and accuracy were once again key pillars of Bath’s dominant performance.

3. Thomas du Toit (Bath)

The Springbok powerhouse produced another quality performance, anchoring a dominant Bath scrum and winning turnovers at key moments. He did blot his copybook slightly with a disallowed try, but his set-piece dominance and work rate underpinned Bath’s complete control. Fast becoming one of the Premiership’s most reliable tightheads.

4. Ross Molony (Bath)

A rock in the engine room, Molony was everywhere — tackling hard, cleaning out rucks, and leading by example. His physical edge matched Bristol’s intensity and helped tilt the game in Bath’s favour. One of his finest outings in blue, black and white, stamping his authority in every collision.

5. JJ van der Mescht (Northampton Saints)

Absolutely gargantuan. The giant lock bulldozed his way through multiple Saracens defenders all evening and set the tone for Saints’ pack dominance. His ball-carrying and sheer physical presence were sensational, earning him a standing ovation when subbed. A man-mountain performance that left Saints fans purring with pride.

6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)

The teenage sensation continues to impress with maturity beyond his years. He shifted momentum with a superb intercept and then sealed the game by forcing a crucial late breakdown penalty. Pollock’s energy and composure in pressure moments prove he’s destined for higher honours sooner rather than later.

7. Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints)

In red-hot form, Pearson was immense once again. Scoring his fifth try in as many matches, he combined powerful carrying with relentless defensive work. His tireless graft at the breakdown and explosive runs made life miserable for Saracens. He’s rapidly becoming one of England’s most complete back-rowers.

8. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)

The young number eight delivered another monstrous shift. Relentless in defence and dynamic in attack, he made a stunning line break through Gloucester’s midfield, nearly creating a try. Constantly involved, Fisilau’s physicality and awareness continue to shine. A rising force and another statement from Exeter’s next-gen forward pack.

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)

Another electric performance from the in-form scrum-half. Mitchell dictated tempo brilliantly, constantly sniping around rucks and punishing Saracens’ ill-discipline. His clever game management earned a yellow card for Riccioni, swinging the match decisively. England’s No. 9 shirt is surely his to lose after another masterful showing.

10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)

Simply sensational. Controlled every aspect of the match, showcasing his full kicking repertoire — pinpoint grubbers, clever nudges, and booming touch-finders. Smith’s vision and composure dismantled Saracens’ back three. With Marcus Smith and George Ford also shining, England’s fly-half debate intensifies — but right now, Fin looks the future.

11. Adam Radwan (Leicester Tigers)

Fresh from his England recall, Radwan responded in style with two blistering tries. His pace and finishing instincts were lethal as he terrorised Sale’s defence. A statement performance that reminded everyone of his game-breaking speed and clinical edge. If he keeps this up, he’ll be impossible to ignore.

12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)

Captain fantastic. Dingwall led from the front, driving his side forward with powerful carries and fearless defence. His second-half surge helped maintain Saints’ pressure as Saracens wilted. Tireless and composed, he was the glue in a backline firing on all cylinders. A leader and a warrior in equal measure.

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)

In sublime form and ageing like fine wine. Slade bagged 22 points, including two dazzling tries, and dominated in both attack and defence. His vision, timing and kicking class were exceptional. From cutting tackles to silky footwork, Slade reminded everyone why he remains one of England’s elite centres.

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)

A sensational four-try performance. Freeman was unplayable, combining raw power with clinical finishing. He bullied defenders, including an early barge through van Zyl, and showcased his world-class instincts throughout. Surely one of the best wingers in rugby right now — unstoppable form heading into the Autumn internationals.

15. George Hendy (Northampton Saints)

Returning from injury, Hendy was sensational. Explosive in attack and rock-solid under the high ball, he linked beautifully with Freeman to shred Saracens’ defence. His blend of pace, power and awareness screamed international quality. If he keeps this up, the England call can’t be far away.