1. Tom Willis is the answer at number 8
The number 8 shirt has had many suitors since the decline and, eventual international retirement, of Billy Vunipola. It had been a looming issue for a while but it seemed to be solved by the emergence of Ben Earl who made himself a key player at that spot despite it not being his regular role. However, since then, Tom Willis has joined Saracens where he plays at 8 in a back row next to Ben Earl who starts at flanker. Willis has gone on to dominate the Gallagher Premiership and has transferred that ability to the international game. With Ben Earl away on Lions duty, this is WIllis's time to cement himself as the obvious choice in the back row. Against Argentina, he did just that. Willis was everywhere; he held a ball up over the line to deny a try, won turnovers at the breakdown, made 17 tackles and made 20 carries - each of them deadly. With more performances like this, some will wonder if he should've been on the plane to Australia already.
2. Joe Heyes is an international standard prop
Heyes has become the understudy to Will Stuart since the Bath prop became the clear star at the position. However, rather than aiming at the starting spot, Heyes has had a couple of youngsters breathing down his neck before he has even had the opportunity to establish himself. On Saturday, he got an opportunity and took it. He earned a couple penalties at the scrum despite facing the fierce front-row trio of Argentina. He also put himself about in defence and had an assist for a Tom Roebuck try. Heyes will get at least one more opportunity to go again in the next test.
3. George Ford is still underappreciated
On Saturday, Ford won his 100th international cap and became an England centurion. He celebrated the occasion with an early drop goal which gave the Pumas some unwanted flashbacks to the 2023 World Cup. He was excellent when kicking at goal and controlled the game beautifully. He started off by running the game with his boot before playing much more in the second half. He once again showed that he is the ultimate conductor and reminded everyone to not get so carried away with the Smith's that they forget about him.
Add comment
Comments