Is Wade the new Billy Whizz?

Editor

England coach Stuart Lancaster believes newly called-up wing Christian Wade could be as good as former Test great, Jason Robinson.

England coach Stuart Lancaster believes newly called-up wing Christian Wade could be as good as former international great, Jason Robinson.

Comparisons between the Wasps wing and the legendary England back have been the flavour of the week since Lancaster included Wade in his squad for the June tour of Uruguay and Argentina.

Wade, who scored 13 tries in the Premiership regular season, is one of handful of young guns in the touring party whom Lancaster believes could bring a new attacking dimension to an England side that was short on attacking options during the Six Nations.

Bath centre Kyle Eastmond, Gloucester wing Jonny May and Saracens midfielder Joel Tomkins are also expected to make an impact.

“All four have the X Factor and that's exciting,” said Lancaster.
“I understand the (Jason Robinson) comparisons with Christian, definitely.
“You see the way he beats people. Every time he gets the ball there's a buzz of excitement around any ground he's in.
“Kyle has that ability but he also has the ability to put people through holes and run good lines and organise attacking shapes, which means he's a slightly different player in that regard.

“The standout (from the squad selection) in terms of excitement in the backs is the back three and the wingers in particular,” added Lancaster.

“Put Billy, Joel, Jonathan Joseph and Kyle in the equation as well and you've got an exciting back line.
“Freddie Burns has a great opportunity now too (at fly-half) and Ben Foden back in the equation at 15 too.”