Steve Borthwick, the England coach would have greatly enjoyed the battle between Ben Earl and Tom Pearson last Sunday. Both came out in the ‘plus column’ yet of any of the possible World Cup bolters listed below, Ben Earl has surely booked himself a place in the World Cup after another inspirational performance for the Saracens.
After a tough Six Nations campaign, there are a number of spots available, especially in the back-row and in the back three. After the weekend’s action, it is Ben Earl and Cadan Murley who lead England’s World Cup bolters.
Looking on to September of this year, Charlie Inglefield picks out six players who have impressed in recent weeks as the Gallagher Premiership heads towards a thrilling climax.
England’s World Cup bolters – Ben Earl (Saracens)
Ben Earl must wonder what he has to do to convince Borthwick that he deserves a starting place. He has been outstanding this year for Saracens. Against the London Irish on Sunday, he put in an all-action display in defence and attack in front of Borthwick.
There are back-row spots open and Earl’s versatility would be a huge asset for England. Pearson and Earl went at it for the first 40 minutes with both players the standouts for their respective teams. But as Irish buckled under their mistakes and indiscipline Earl delivered a second-half masterclass. It is also worth mentioning that Earl was the one standout for Saracens in their chastening defeat to La Rochelle two weeks ago. Pearson’s time is coming but Earl’s experience is too good to ignore any longer.
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
The Leicester lock has had an excellent season for the Leicester Tigers. Tough, abrasive, and still only 21, Martin could be a much-needed addition to England’s firepower up front. Martin has been an ever-present for a Tigers outfit who have surged up the Premiership table.
England is in desperate need of an enforcer who will skittle bodies in the clear-out and shudder rib cages in the tackle. Martin has the versatility to cover both the back row and second-row, always useful when picking a World Cup squad. With Dave Ribbans off to Toulon next year, Johnny Hill off form, and Nick Isiekwe still not trusted to start – there is a place available. Martin was one of the Tigers’ forwards who came away from Dublin with his reputation intact despite the heavy defeat to Leinster a few weeks ago. A strong finals’ showing and Martin should barge his way into Borthwick’s plans.
Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
Murley has been extremely unlucky not to have made his debut for England over the last 12 months. Harlequins have had a disappointing end to their season but Murley has been consistently one of their best. He had another stellar game on Saturday against Bath and outshone the impressive Max Malins when Harlequins fell to Saracens at White Hart Lane a few weeks. Murley is a natural try scorer but he does it in a number of ways. He can outpace most, has the ability to bump tacklers and Murley can also do the spectacular with acrobatic finishes. There are shades of Jack Nowell in the way Murley plays in that he can squeeze through tight gaps and consistently make yardage.
England are not still not sure who they should have on the wings. Jonny May, Max Malins, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Anthony Watson, Joe Cokanasiga and Jack Nowell have been used over the last six months. Murley is arguably the best winger in the Gallagher Premiership and deserves to show what he can do on the international stage.
Tom Pearson (London Irish)
The clamour around the credentials of Pearson is only growing louder. The London Irish back-rower has had another stellar season for the Exiles and cannot be ignored for much longer. England’s back row is one of the problem areas for Borthwick to sort out. England persisted with Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, and Alex Dombrandt throughout the Six Nations but doubts remain over the balance of that trio. England’s lack of a power outlet at number eight was laid bare against France and Ireland. Pearson has been a consistent beacon of excellence for an Exiles side this season and has exceeded expectations in the Gallagher Premiership.
Pearson matched the excellent Ben Earl on Sunday before London Irish eventually capitulated to Saracens. He has shown more than enough that he is ready to wear an England jersey in the future.
Zak Mercer (Montpellier)
Mercer’s return to the Gallagher Premiership with Gloucester next year is a much-needed boost for English rugby. He is a class act and has excelled for Montpellier over the last couple of seasons. Mercer’s contribution behind Montpellier’s shock run to claim France’s Top 14 title last year cannot be understated. Mercer along with Sam Simmonds has a skillset that few possess in English rugby.
It remains to be seen whether Borthwick goes down the safe route of picking size over skill in positions like number 8. But if England has any hope of nudging the big guns in the knock-out stages then having some x-factor is crucial. Mercer could be a point of difference that England’s pack need at the moment.
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Theo Dan has come from nowhere to be talked about as a World Cup bolter for England. Dan was immense against a physical and experienced London Irish pack on Sunday. Dan was up against Agustin Creevy and after a shaky start in the scrum was part of a Saracens front row who dominated their counterparts. He did his basics at the line-out well but it was Dan’s contributions around the breakdown and in the loose that would have really caught the eye of the England management.
If the rumours around Luke Cowan’s indiscretions in Montpellier are true this past weekend then Dan has a real chance of being Jamie George’s understudy at the World Cup. Boosting his chances further, Harlequin Jack Walker, unfortunately, went down with what looked like a serious injury on Saturday. After Sunday’s performance, Jamie George will do well to regain his place in the coming weeks.
The Gallagher Premiership finals are fast approaching and there is still plenty of time for Borthwick to assess what is missing in his squad makeup. The six players mentioned above have definitely put their best foot forward for a place in England’s World Cup squad – if not only as 2023 World Cup bolters – just as genuine contenders who take full advantage of their opportunities.
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Rugby World Cup 2023 begins September 8; France v New Zealand – Stade de France, Paris
Main image Credit: Premiership Rugby Facebook Page, April 26, 2023.
