The latest round of the PREM Rugby season has provided an intriguing insight into the potential England squad for the upcoming summer tour. With Steve Borthwick's selection process in full swing, the following players have emerged as standouts, while others have faced setbacks.
Winners
East Midlands Full-Backs
The East Midlands derby showcased the prowess of Freddie Steward and George Furbank, who are in contention for the England full-back jersey. Steward, despite being overlooked for the Six Nations, impressed against Northampton with his attacking skills and strong performances in the air. Furbank, who missed the Six Nations due to injury, demonstrated his playmaking abilities and threat as an extra playmaker.
Steward and Furbank's displays have made it challenging for Borthwick to choose between them. Their performances against each other in the derby suggest a healthy competition, which is beneficial for the team's depth and strategy.
Leicester Wing Duo
Ollie Hassell-Collins and Adam Radwan, the Leicester wing duo, showcased their electric form against Northampton. They outperformed their Test positional rivals, Tommy Freeman and George Hendy, and displayed a nice synergy, often swapping wings to drive the attack forward. This dynamic duo could be a game-changer for England, offering a unique and effective playing style.
Tighthead Pair
Afo Fasogbon and Josh Iosefa-Scott have impressed Borthwick with their marauding displays, dominating scrum battles and stellar work in the loose. Joe Heyes also performed well, but Fasogbon and Iosefa-Scott's ability to fit the bill of what England seeks from their tightheads makes them strong contenders for the summer tour.
Henry Slade
Henry Slade, playing against a direct England rival, Ollie Lawrence, showcased his consistency and playmaking skills. Slade's game management and ability to link up with teammates allowed Exeter to put pressure on Bath in the latter stages of the match. His performance highlights his importance to the team's success.
Back Bolters
Olly Hartley, Paul Brown-Bampoe, and Orlando Bailey have demonstrated their suitability for the England setup. Bailey's handling and second ball-player role were crucial for Leicester's win, while Hartley's punch and ability to cut back against the grain benefited Saracens. Brown-Bampoe's aerial prowess and strong carries ball-in-hand impressed Borthwick.
Losers
Northampton Saints Contingent
Northampton's defeat to Exeter was a setback for their England players, who struggled to maintain their usual edge. The likes of Alex Mitchell, Hendy, Freeman, and Fraser Dingwall faced positional rivals who outperformed them. Fin Smith and Henry Pollock also failed to replicate their recent form, which could impact their chances of selection for the summer tour.
Tom Willis
Tom Willis, a Bordeaux-bound number eight, has been a standout player in the PREM this season. However, his absence from the England squad is a notable loss. Willis' performance against Saracens, driving the team to victory, highlights his potential as a game-changer. Borthwick's frustration with his inability to be picked is understandable.
Injured Stars
Gabriel Oghre and Billy Searle, who have been in exceptional form for their clubs, suffered cruel injuries that will likely rule them out of the summer tour. Their absence is a significant setback, as they were pushing for a July selection. These injuries underscore the fragility of rugby careers and the constant need for players to stay injury-free.
As the PREM Rugby season progresses, the England squad selection becomes more intriguing. Borthwick's challenge is to balance the form and potential of these players while navigating injuries and positional rivalries. The summer tour promises to be a fascinating test of rugby prowess and strategic decision-making.
