"Doesn't fit" - England boss Steve Borthwick reveals why he hasn't picked Zach Mercer

Sunday, 18 February 2024 at 19:56

byRugby Rucker

Zach Mercer's recent message to Steve Borthwick and the England team was crystal clear: by not choosing him, you're making a mistake.

Mercer hasn't minced words about his exclusion from the England squad, both last summer when he was cut from the Rugby World Cup roster and again last month during the Six Nations selection. He emphasised his unique playing style compared to other No 8s in England and worldwide.

When pressed, Borthwick's latest explanation for Mercer's omission is outlined below.

“Zach and I had a conversation last week. We’ve had a number of conversations over the last couple of weeks with Zach since he’s come back from injury," Borthwick said following his squad selection.

“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference and areas where we want them to develop them and add to their game. That’s the same conversation I had with Zach. It’s a competitive arena."

Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on October 14th, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher)

Borthwick added: “When I’m talking to a player, I’m basing it in objectivity. I’m basing it on targets for them to go after, and then we can shape a shared understanding of what we’re seeing.

“Granted, sometimes as a coach you want something specific in a team, I’m always looking at all the coaches and all the players that are able to provide that.”

Reacting to that reason, one fan wrote: "Mercer's face clearly doesn't fit."

The 40 greatest England players of all time have been ranked in controversial list

Scroll down to discover the 40 greatest rugby players of all time, as chosen by fans.

40 best English rugby players of all-time

#40. Mike Teague

#39. Wade Dooley

#38. Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#37. Dylan Hartley

#36. Trevor Woodman

#35. Kyran Bracken

#34. Billy Vunipola

#33. Joe Marler

Joe Marler of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#32. Steve Thompson

#31. Will Carling

#30. Josh Lewsey

#29. Rocky Clark

#28. Lewis Moody

Lewis Moody shares a joke with Mike Tindall - Photo mandatory by-line:Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 19/03/2011 - RUBY UNION - RBS Six Nations - Ireland v England - Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland

#27. Ben Cohen

#26. Matt Dawson

#25. Ben Youngs

Ben Youngs of England on the break to go over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#24. Mike Tindall

#23. Rob Andrew

#22. Brian Moore

#21. Bill Beaumont

#20. Maro Itoje

Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row

#19. Will Greenwood

#18. Jonny May

Jonny May of England is tackled by Mark Telea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

#17. Dean Richards

#16. David Duckham

#15. Neil Back

#14. Fran Cotton

#13. Jeremy Guscott

#12. Emily Scarratt

#11. Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell of England takes a penalty kick during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

#10. Rory Underwood

#9. Phil Vickery

#8. Peter Winterbottom

#7. Richard Hill

#6. Jason Robinson

#5. Sarah Hunter

#4. Jason Leonard

#3. Lawrence Dallaglio

#2. Jonny Wilkinson

#1. Martin Johnson