Last month BT’s Nick Mullins declared Henry Trinder was playing like Harry Potter against Worcester. Who knows which magical character he would have been compared to had Gloucester victory over Northampton been live on air. Nevertheless he put in a wonderful performance and led from the front with two tries in a 29-24 win.
Injury nightmares overcome
Injury to an English centre has been an all too familiar headline in the past couple of years, but normally in relation to Manu Tuilagi. However had fate conspired differently his replacement could have been Henry Trinder. Whilst physically very different he offers a big attacking threat and would suit England’s desired squad profile for the World Cup. At 28 he has enough experience whilst still being young enough to be worth long-term investment.
Unfortunately wretched injury luck means Trinder has only been able to win a non-International England cap against the Barbarians. He has faced numerous false comebacks; fans and coaches must have wondered whether his body simply couldn’t survive premiership rugby. Happily since returning in January this year he has been able to string together some consistent injury free appearances. Now he is on course to secure the Gloucester 13 shirt as his own.
"Henry Trinder playing like Harry Potter!"
What a try and what a start to the second half!
Majestic from Trinder ? pic.twitter.com/UrbvN6o8ef
— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) September 22, 2017
England caps to come?
Such has been Trinder’s contribution this season, specifically in Gloucester’s last two home games, that he has been like a new signing. With many backs out injured, including Matt Scott and Mark Atkinson, Trinder’s form couldn’t have come at a better time.
Both of his tries against the Saints demonstrated the attitude that has seen him battle back from injury. First, despite being tap tackled with the line at his mercy, he bounced up and away from the secondary tackler to get over the line. Then for his second, he fought off three tacklers attempting to hold him up over the line to dot down.
Trinder’s exploits have not gone unnoticed; he was named The Times’ player of the week and featured in their team of the week, alongside teammates Tom Savage and Jason Woodward. Whether Eddie Jones has noticed is another question. The November Internationals will come too soon, but a full injury-free season might persuade Jones that Trinder is a gamble worth taking.
Perhaps unfortunately for Henry Trinder the Premiership makes way for European competition and he may find himself watching from the sidelines. Additionally whilst Gloucester remain in the Challenge Cup it will be harder for him demonstrate his skills against the best. For now though, if he keeps weaving his magic his international dream may still be fulfilled.
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