Northampton Saints back-row Henry Pollock is brimming with confidence ahead of his team’s Investec Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Despite being only 20 years old, Pollock has made a big impact during his maiden Champions Cup campaign and his outstanding form at club level has been rewarded with a call-up to the British & Irish Lions’ squad for their tour to Australia during June and July.

Pollock has been one of Northampton‘s star performers this season and will be determined to continue with his outstanding Champions Cup form, which has seen him cross for seven tries in the competition this season, in the eagerly anticipated final.

The young tearaway has taken his rapid rise to the top in his stride and is looking forward to the challenge of facing a talented Bordeaux side.

‘It’s been a dream come true’

“The last year’s been mad,” Pollock told the EPCR’s official website. “It’s been a dream come true, it’s been amazing, I’m really proud of it.

“It’s every rugby kid’s dream to play in these finals. It’s where you want to be in your career.

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait. There’s a great buzz around the club, everyone’s ready to rip into it.”

Despite catching the eye with his superb performances, Pollock’s try-scoring celebrations are an aspect of his game which has not been appreciated by all and sundry.

“I guess the celebration aspect is a bit different – no one’s really done it before in rugby. I want to grow the game and make it as big as possible”, he explained.

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After scoring six of his seven tries in this season’s Champions Cup against French sides, Pollock’s celebrations have irked fans from Top 14 teams but he is not focusing on that aspect of the game ahead of this weekend’s final.

“That’s part and parcel of the game, not everyone’s going to like you,” he said.

“If they want to hate me, they can hate me, if they want to like me, they can like me. The only thing I’m thinking about is the game, and how I can perform to make them like me.”

Saints are keen to win the Champions Cup for the second time in their history and last won the tournament in 2000 when they beat Munster 9-8 in a tense final.

They face a daunting challenge against Bordeaux, who are hoping to win the famous competition for the first time in their history and Pollock is aware that his opponents have several attacking threats throughout their ranks.

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‘I’m looking forward to going up against them’

“Matthieu Jalibert’s an amazing player, Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s world-class. Their back row’s pretty good, they’ve got an amazing back line and forward pack, so I’m looking forward to going up against them,” he said.

Apart from Jalibert and Bielle-Biarrey, UBB also have players like Damian Penaud, Maxime Lucu and Maxime Lamothe, who are also dangerous with ball in hand, but Northampton also have brilliant attacking players like Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell, who were also called up to the Lions squad alongside Pollock.

“We’re a team with quality individuals. We’re also a team that believes in ourselves. We’re a well-rounded team,” added Pollock.

“It’s going to be a massive game for the club, the town and England. Hopefully, we’ll feed off that energy and confidence.”

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/not-everyones-going-to-like-you-henry-pollocks-blunt-reaction-to-fans-differing-opinions-of-him