12 England hopefuls who impressed this weekend - Ellis Genge back to his best
Rugby NewsMonday, 22 April 2024 at 07:02
Head Coach Steve Borthwick would have found ample cause for optimism this weekend as the Gallagher Premiership roared back into action, with a number of England hopefuls making their mark.
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#1. Bristol Bears - Four Players
In a resounding 85-14 victory over Newcastle, Bristol Bears showcased their dominance, surging to fourth place in the Premiership standings.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Virimi Vakatawa shone with two tries apiece, propelling Bristol into a commanding lead with seven tries in the first half alone.
The triumph marks their most significant win in the Premiership to date, eclipsing their previous 62-8 domination over Northampton last March.
Their impressive late-season surge, boasting victories in their last five matches, propels them just two points shy of third-placed Saracens, securing a coveted spot in the play-offs.
Among the standout performances were:
- Ellis Genge, whose exemplary play saw him assist Max Malins’ try and secure crucial scrum penalties.
- Gabriel Oghre’s relentless pursuit of the ball and faultless lineouts.
- Harry Randall’s dynamic playmaking, setting the pace with precision and assisting Naulago’s opening try.
- Gabriel Ibitoye's commitment to keeping the ball alive, contributing to the high-scoring spectacle.
#2. Bath Rugby - Three players
Meanwhile, Bath Rugby avenged their Champions Cup defeat to Exeter Chiefs with a 14-0 lead at halftime, ultimately securing a bonus point in a 26-14 victory.
Alfie Barbeary and Ben Spencer propelled Bath to a 14-0 lead at halftime, while Tom Cairns saw a try disallowed for the home side.
Despite Olly Woodburn pulling one back for Exeter, Bath extended their lead through Max Ojomoh and Miles Reid, clinching a bonus point in the process.
Noteworthy displays came from:
- Charlie Ewels, who demonstrated his versatility across the field.
- Ben Spencer's leadership and distribution from scrum-half played an integral role
- Max Ojomoh’s clever kicking game, leading to a crucial try.
#3. Saracens - Two players
Saracens asserted their Premiership dominance with a 46-24 triumph over Gloucester, with Tom Parton making history by securing a hat-trick in record time.
Noteworthy displays came from:
- Tom Parton as the 26-year-old scored an impressive treble.
- Theo Dan made a case to be starting Saracens hooker as Gloucester blown away
#4. Northampton Saints - Three Players
Northampton Saints matched their largest-ever Premiership victory against East Midlands adversaries Leicester, securing a commanding 40-17 win at Franklin's Gardens.
In a fiercely contested derby, Saints held a narrow 18-17 lead as the match reached its hour mark. However, the balance shifted decisively when Solomone Kata received a red card for a head-on-head collision with Fraser Dingwall.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Saints surged ahead with three unanswered tries, effectively sealing their path to the playoffs.
- Alex Mitchell’s energetic presence on the field and solid defensive efforts.
- Curtis Langdon’s memorable try, showcasing his speed and agility.
- George Furbank’s growing influence and physicality, particularly as the game progressed.
AI predicts the next 20 Six Nations winners, Scotland finally win it
According to the cutting-edge predictions, England is poised to clinch victory in a staggering five out of the next 20 tournaments, while Scotland is primed for a historic triumph, marking their first title since their Five Nations conquest in 1999.
However, the road ahead seems daunting for Wales, as the AI oracle forecasts a prolonged wait until 2041 for their next taste of Six Nations glory.
Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as England, Ireland, and France are slated to dominate the competition, casting a shadow over Welsh aspirations.
Check out the next 20 Six Nations winner's below.
2025: France
2026: Ireland
2027: England
2028: England
2029: Scotland
2030: France
2031: Ireland
2032: England
2033: Ireland
2034: France
2035: Ireland
2036: England
2037: Scotland
2038: France
2039: Ireland
2040: England
2041: Wales
2042: France
2043: Ireland
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