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By the time the clock hits 60 minutes in England's Six Nations curtain-raiser, Wales will likely already be staring down the barrel of defeat. The visitors to Twickenham's Allianz Stadium have managed just two wins from 11 matches over the last year, both narrow triumphs against Japan.

Across those 11 fixtures, they've been hammered 441-204, and it's fair to say Welsh rugby is in crisis both on and off the field. Come Saturday afternoon, they'll be up against an England outfit riding an 11-match winning streak. Wales, meanwhile, have suffered 11 consecutive Six Nations defeats.

The bookmakers have England at 1/100 odds - meaning you'd need to stake £100 to earn just £1 profit. So by the hour mark, Wales will almost certainly be struggling.

That's when England boss Steve Borthwick will unleash his reinforcements - the likes of Maro Itoje, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock. For the Welsh, it's a genuinely terrifying scenario.

Itoje, England's skipper, begins among the substitutes having missed the opening training sessions to be with his family following the tragic death of his mother, Florence. As part of what's become known as the bomb squad, his fellow replacements have deliberately been held back from the starting XV.

It's difficult to recall an England rugby squad boasting such depth. It's equally challenging to remember an England rugby coach blessed with as many choices as Borthwick currently enjoys.

This is precisely why England ought to deliver a commanding performance in this Six Nations.

Earlier this week, the draw for Rugby World Cup 2027 took place. The tournament will be held in Australia, the host nation where England previously claimed World Cup glory in 2003.

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Given the age profile of Borthwick's available players, they won't have a better chance of replicating that 2003 triumph. By then, a player like Pollock will undoubtedly be central to much of England's strategy.

Despite starting once more amongst the replacements, this tournament should see Pollock establish himself before a broader audience. Rugby fans are already familiar with Pollock.

And it's reasonable to suggest that not all rugby fans are admirers of Pollock.

Traditional thinking labels him as brash, arrogant and cocky. Modern thinking regards those characteristics favourably.

Having only recently turned 21, Pollock is a forward capable of creating opportunities in the same way a back can. He can beat full-backs, outpace wingers.

Without fail, he makes an impact the instant he enters a rugby pitch. Based on some of the flanker's recent displays for Northampton, it's already evident he possesses generational talent.

He'll certainly irritate plenty of people. One suspects he might even irritate his own teammates.

This represents one of the most thrilling periods in English rugby for some time. Pollock, even as a substitute, will illuminate this Six Nations campaign... and will spearhead the lengthy build-up to the World Cup.