The latest round of the PREM Rugby season has brought about an intriguing selection dilemma for England coach Steve Borthwick. With the summer tour on the horizon, the focus is on identifying the players who can 'fit the bill' and contribute to the team's success. This article delves into the winners and losers, offering a critical analysis of the players who have made a strong case for themselves and those who may face an uphill battle for selection.
Winners: Rising Stars and Consistent Performers
East Midlands Full-Backs: Freddie Steward and George Furbank
The East Midlands derby showcased the potential of Steward and Furbank, who are in direct competition for the England full-back shirt. Steward, despite being overlooked for the Six Nations, impressed against Northampton with his attacking prowess and strong aerial skills. Furbank, who missed the Six Nations due to injury, also stood out with his playmaking abilities and carries. Their performances suggest they are ready to take on the challenge of representing England, and Borthwick may find it difficult to choose between them.
Leicester Wing Duo: Ollie Hassell-Collins and Adam Radwan
Last season's form wingers are back in the spotlight, and their performances against Northampton were electric. Hassell-Collins and Radwan outshone their Test positional rivals, showcasing a beautiful synergy on the field. Their ability to swap wings and work in tandem drives the attack forward and highlights their individual skills. Borthwick should take note of their developing partnership, which could be a game-changer for England.
Tighthead Pair: Afo Fasogbon and Josh Iosefa-Scott
With injuries to Will Stuart and Trevor Davison, England is seeking a new tighthead prop. Fasogbon and Iosefa-Scott have put themselves in the running with their dominant displays against strong scrum opponents. They blended powerful scrum work with stellar loose and ball-in-hand skills, impressing Borthwick and Tom Harrison. These performances suggest they are ready to step up and fill the void left by the injured stars.
Henry Slade
Slade's performance against Bath was a testament to his consistency and leadership. He injected pace and intent into Exeter's attack, showcasing his playmaking skills and ball-in-hand abilities. Slade's game management in crucial moments and his choice to take kicks for goal put pressure on Bath. His performance highlights his value to Exeter and his potential impact on England.
Back Bolt-Ons: Olly Hartley, Paul Brown-Bampoe, and Orlando Bailey
Hartley, Brown-Bampoe, and Bailey have consistently demonstrated their ability to mix it with the best in the competition. Individually, they showed the minerals suited to the England setup. Bailey's handling and second ball-player role were crucial for Leicester's win, while Hartley's punch and cutting back against the grain benefited Saracens. Brown-Bampoe's aerial prowess and strong carries ball-in-hand were also impressive. These performances suggest they are not far from the England squad.
Losers: Struggling Saints and Missed Opportunities
Northampton Saints Contingent
Northampton's defeat at Mattioli Woods Welford Road was a setback for their England players. The atmosphere and edge didn't help, but the Saints seemed off the boil. This result doesn't do their England players any favors, as they face competition from other positional rivals. Alex Mitchell, Hendy, Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, and Fin Smith all saw their rivals outperform them, and Henry Pollock struggled to make an impact off the bench. Northampton needs to bounce back quickly to stay in the running for the summer tour.
Tom Willis
Willis' performance for Saracens was a stark reminder of what England is missing. The Bordeaux-bound number eight has been the PREM's best player this season, but his omission from the England squad is puzzling. In his current form, Willis could be a game-changer for England, but the selection process remains a mystery. Borthwick's decision to exclude him from the squad has sparked debate and left many questioning the criteria for selection.
Injured Stars: Gabriel Oghre and Billy Searle
The cruel injuries suffered by Oghre and Searle have dealt a significant blow to their chances of featuring in the summer tour. Both players were in incredible form for their clubs and were pushing their names into the conversation for July selection. Their absence from the squad is a real shame, as they were making strong cases for themselves. Borthwick must now consider how to fill the void left by these talented players and find alternatives to strengthen the team.
