England: Eight players who are banging on Steve Borthwick’s door after England A victory including the ‘answer’ to the centre conundrum
From left to right: Jack Kenningham, Max Ojomoh and Greg Fisilau
England A romped to a comfortable 28-12 win over Ireland A at Ashton Gate on Sunday, thanks to tries from Ollie Hassell-Collins, Jack van Poortvliet, Greg Fisilau and a penalty try.
As with any ‘A’ Test, there were a number of players who were keen to prove they have what it takes to make the step up to senior Test rugby, and this one was no exception with several players putting their hands up to get into Steve Borthwick’s squad.
But, who caught our eye the most? Well, here is our rundown of the eight players who should be banging on the door of the England senior squad.
Jack Kenningham
Harlequins back-rower Jack Kenningham has been floating around the England conversation for a while now, but his barnstorming performance against Ireland A should get him further up Borthwick’s depth chart. He had an absolute field day in the breakdown, coming up with some pivotal turnovers when Ireland looked dangerous, but elsewhere he just made himself a real nuisance for his opponents. His form for Quins this year has certainly caught the eye and this was another reminder of his Test quality.
Greg Fisilau
The Exeter Chiefs number eight might have been named on the bench to start with, but boy oh boy did he steal the show when he came on. Fisilau was absolutely electric upon his introduction(s) from the bench in place of Alfie Barbeary – who also impressed may we add – and just added a fantastic dynamic to the team’s attack. His carrying skills in the tight were crucial in keeping the pressure on Ireland right until the end, and he complimented this nicely with some fantastic work in broken field too, namely his superb solo effort. He looks every inch a quality Test player in the making.
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Tom Pearson
The back-row was a real standout on Sunday and Tom Pearson certainly played his part in that. The Northampton man was a real menace ball-in-hand, but his offloading skills really caught the eye. He managed to consistently free up his hands to connect with a supporting runner, which became a massive part of their attack and in turn the victory. The one-cap flanker has also been in great form for Saints this season, so could he add to his collection soon?
Tom Lockett
Another Northampton Saint who really captured our attention was man of the match Tom Lockett, whose stocks have soared as a result. The towering lock just worked his socks off in a tireless display, particularly in defence. He was also solid in the lineout, which we all know Borthwick is a fan of, and that is a major tick in his box. Lockett couldn’t really have done any more than he did at Ashton Gate to be honest.
Max Ojomoh
England’s midfield is a real issue at the minute, with the Slade-Lawrence connection still struggling to reach its full potential, but Max Ojomoh could be the answer. Despite playing with 13 on his back, he actually played more like a 12 and showed exactly the skill set required of the modern-day inside centre. The Bath back looked super powerful ball-in-hand, but he also displayed those delicate handling skills that has made Sione Tuipulotu and Bundee Aki the key cog they are for Scotland and Ireland respectively.
Joe Carpenter
Whilst it wasn’t a box-office showing, Joe Carpenter was just solid throughout his shift and did the basics of his role incredibly well. He was very solid under the high ball as, considering the conditions made it an absolute nightmare for him, he still managed to come out on top. He also looked to get involved in the attack and offer that link option which Borthwick wants his full-backs to do. He certainly ticked a few boxes at the weekend.
Ollie Hassell-Collins
He’s been left in the international wilderness for some time now, but Ollie Hassell-Collins put in a tremendous shift against Ireland A and it could very easily see him drafted back into the senior squad. The Leicester wing carried his club form over into the England A shirt with a try, but he really made himself a threat out wide and created some decent chances as a result. Featuring in this Test also proves his commitment to England, amid links with a Wales call-up.
Jack van Poortvliet
A welcome return to fitness for Jack van Poortvliet, who could springboard himself back into Borthwick’s plans. The Leicester nine has had a rocky time on the Test stage since picking up an injury before the World Cup, but against Ireland A he showed just why he was the incumbent starter. He looked to snipe whenever he got an opportunity, a skill which made him a real threat for England in Borthwick’s early reign, but crucially he also looked to up the tempo in attack and get his team playing quickly, which again is something Borthwick likes to see from his scrum-halves.
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