The latest round of the PREM Rugby season has brought us a host of exciting matches and, with Steve Borthwick's England squad selection looming, it's time to take a look at the winners and losers from an England perspective. While some players have shone brightly, others have struggled, and the injuries to key players have certainly thrown a spanner in the works. So, who are the players who have caught the eye, and who might be feeling a little downbeat? Let's dive in and explore the key takeaways from this round of matches.
The Bright Spots
East Midlands Full-Backs
The East Midlands derby was a real showcase for Freddie Steward and George Furbank, who both put in top-notch performances. Steward, despite being overlooked for the England squad, was at his very best against Northampton, showcasing his attacking prowess and strong aerial skills. Furbank, who has had to fight for his place, also impressed with his playmaking abilities and carries. These performances will have caught Borthwick's eye, and it'll be tough to split them for the summer tour.
Leicester Wing Duo
Ollie Hassell-Collins and Adam Radwan are back to their best, and their electric performances against Northampton will have caught Borthwick's attention. Their synergy and ability to swap wings or work in tandem have created some beautiful moments, and it's something Borthwick might want to tap into. These performances will have them banging on Borthwick's door, and it'll be interesting to see how they progress.
Tighthead Pair
Afo Fasogbon and Josh Iosefa-Scott have put themselves in the shop window with their marauding displays. Both players dominated their respective scrum battles and blended it with stellar work in the loose and ball-in-hand. Borthwick and Tom Harrison would have been delighted by what they saw from the pair this weekend, and they'll be hoping to see more of the same.
Henry Slade
Slade had a big test against Ollie Lawrence, and he aced it. Slade was a rock of consistency in Exeter's win over Bath, showcasing his playmaking skills and pace. His game management in the big moments was key, and his ability to link up with his teammates allowed Exeter to put their foot on Bath's throat. Slade's performance will have pleased Borthwick, and it'll be interesting to see how he progresses.
Back Bolt-Ons
Olly Hartley, Paul Brown-Bampoe, and Orlando Bailey have shown they can mix it with the best in the competition. Individually, all three men showed the minerals that suit this England setup. Bailey's deft handling and ability to act as a second ball-player were crucial to Leicester's win, Hartley's punch and ability to cut back against the grain worked wonders for Saracens, and Brown-Bampoe showcased his aerial prowess alongside some strong carries ball-in-hand. These performances will have pleased Borthwick, and it'll be interesting to see how they progress.
The Downbeat Spots
Northampton Saints Contingent
Northampton's defeat was a bad one, and it doesn't do their England contingent any favors. The atmosphere and edge didn't help, but Saints just seemed really off the boil. This will cause some concern for Borthwick, and it'll be interesting to see how they bounce back. By no means have they played their way out of contention, but it was by no means the barnstorming efforts we've come to expect.
Tom Willis
Borthwick would have been stewing watching Tom Willis do his thing for Saracens. Willis has been head and shoulders the best player in the PREM this season, but his absence from the England squad is a real head-scratcher. In this form, Willis could have been a game-changer for England, but alas, he can't be picked.
Injured Stars
Gabriel Oghre and Billy Searle are likely out of the picture for the summer tour after suffering cruel injuries. Both players have been in unbelievable form for their clubs and were pushing their names up into the conversation for July selection. A real shame for both men, and it'll be interesting to see how they recover and progress.
In conclusion, the latest round of the PREM Rugby season has brought us a host of exciting matches and performances. While some players have shone brightly, others have struggled, and the injuries to key players have certainly thrown a spanner in the works. As Borthwick's squad selection nears, it'll be interesting to see how these performances translate into the England setup. One thing is for sure: the competition for places is fierce, and the summer tour promises to be an exciting one.
