Five players Steve Borthwick should call-up after ‘world-class’ performances this weekend

Despite Steve Borthwick's resistance to picking in-form Gallagher Premiership players, here are five standout stars who impressed over the weekend for their respective clubs this weekend…

The Sale captain had an impressive game, securing three turnovers and making 11 tackles as the visitors earned a victory at The Stoop.

If he continues to play at this level, it's possible that England may consider adding him to the team. Tom Pearson also had a strong performance.

When asked what more he needed to do to crack the England squad, Sale boss Alex Sanderson joked: “Maybe change his name.”

“It’s just consistency. If he staves off injury, and he plays that well then he’ll be banging on the door, I’m sure,” Sanderson added.

DID YOU KNOW? Tom and Ben both had trials with Manchester City when they were younger, but their football careers came to an end after Tom scored an own-goal.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Tom said, 'I think it was that own-goal I scored that got us both kicked out.

The hooker, known for scoring six tries in six games for England, made a strong return to the field over the weekend by scoring a try in the Falcons' 45-26 victory against the Leicester Tigers.

With impressive skills at the line out and a dynamic approach to carrying the ball, the 25-year-old has caught the attention of Borthwick and is a potential contender for the Six Nations team.

DID YOU KNOW? In June 2021, the player was selected for the senior England team by Eddie Jones and made his debut on July 4th, scoring a try against the United States at Twickenham. The following weekend, he scored a hat-trick of tries in his first start, leading England to victory against Canada.

The Falcons' pack had a strong showing, with Chick rumbling through two Leicester defenders to score Newcastle's second try and contributing 10 tackles.

It was a great day for the team's forwards, but especially Blamire and Chick.

After returning to the England camp last week, the player delivered a player-of-the-match performance on Friday night, winning a couple of turnovers and likely impressing Borthwick with his skills.

This will give Borthwick plenty to consider as he plans his team strategy for the fast approaching 2023 Six Nations.

DID YOU KNOW? At school level Earl played much more cricket than rugby; he was an all-rounder and played for Kent until he was 15

Gloucester fans were treated to a standout performance by the athletic winger, who burst past two attempted tackles to score a scintillating try during their narrow defeat against Saracens.

Throughout the game, he consistently caused problems for the opposition with his powerful carries, including an audacious tap and go from inside his own 22.

Overall, he made 106 meters from 9 carries, completed 16 tackles, and even secured a turnover. It was a truly impressive return to action after a long injury layoff.

DID YOU KNOW? Thorley made his professional debut at age 17, becoming the youngest player to play for Gloucester in the professional era when he played the full 80 minutes, partnered with World Cup winner Mike Tindall