Ex-All Black lauds ‘brilliant’ England prospect who has taken his ‘opportunity’ after Springbok’s departure
Harlequins had a gaping Andre Esterhuizen-shaped hole in their midfield coming into the new campaign, but just as quickly as it appeared they have filled it with the huge frame of Lennox Anyanwu.
The England hopeful has been in fine fettle in the early stages of the season, notching one try in five appearances, and is earning calls to feature in the England A squad to face Australia XV next month.
“His thirst to want to get better”
The imposing back has been in and around the Quins squad since his debut during the 2020/21 campaign but has had to bide his time to taste regular first-team action.
However, since being handed the vacant number 12 shirt, he has made it his own and looks the perfect replacement for the iconic Springbok.
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His form has also earned him high praise from fellow Harlequins legend, and former All Black, Nick Evans, who told Planet Rugby after the Londoners’ 36-19 win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend he was glad Anyanwu has taken his “opportunity” in the starting XV.
“Lenny’s been brilliant,” Evans said. “We’ve got a good cohort of young 12s, Bryn Bradley has also been in good form and given him a good challenge, but Lenny has been given the opportunity and he’s done really well.”
He added: “It’s exciting to see his thirst to want to get better, he’s probably the last guy out there doing extras and wanting to find ways to make himself better.
“He’s had that opportunity and he’s done really well in that first block.”
“You can’t replace Andre”
Whilst Anyanwu has been brilliant so far this season, in particular in the victories over Saracens and Exeter, Evans revealed they have had to change the way they use their 12 following the departure of Esterhuizen.
“We’ve had to do things a bit differently, you can’t replace Andre,” Evans told Planet Rugby. “Andre does Andre things and the only player in the world who can do the stuff he does is his (Springboks) competitor Damian de Allende.
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“We have to do things differently, and that suits Lennox and Bryn, but he’s certainly taken his opportunity.”
“Potential to be world-class”
Anyanwu has also formed a deadly centre combination with Oscar Beard this season, with the duo starting two of the previous three games together in midfield, and Beard was also full of praise for his teammate, telling Planet Rugby he believes Anyanwu could be “world-class”.
“I absolutely love Lenny, we’ve played together since we were 16,” Beard said. “With Andre in, it’s been a tough few years for Lenny; Andre’s a world-class player, but I feel Lenny has the potential to be world-class.
“I love playing with him. He’s skilful, he’s physical and it helps that we’re good mates off the field too.”
Both players have put in strong performances this season, and with their age profiles added to the mix, could be in the frame to feature for England A next month.