Steve Borthwick’s four wildcard England call-ups includes forward Marler 'likes the look of'
Rugby NewsFriday, 05 January 2024 at 19:27
As head coach Steve Borthwick gears up to unveil his initial England squad for 2024, he grapples with the challenge of navigating four pivotal selection choices.
The aftermath of the 2023 Rugby World Cup last Autumn has left a void, with a number of key players absent from consideration.
The highly-anticipated Guinness Six Nations, a fixture cherished by fans annually, is looming. However, the team faces limitations in its selection pool due to the retirements of several influential players, the temporary absence of figures like Owen Farrell, and the season-long sidelining of Tom Curry due to a hip injury.
Adding to the uncertainties, Ellis Genge, a key player, is a significant doubt for the opening match following a hamstring injury. Borthwick provided an update, stating, "Ellis is recovering from a hamstring injury. We expect more information in about a week, and with any luck, he'll be back early in the Six Nations – fingers crossed."
Complicating matters, a notable portion of the squad is currently committed to playing opportunities in the Top 14.
Amidst these challenges, reports suggest that Borthwick has made four crucial call-ups in preparation for the upcoming game at Twickenham.
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#1. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
Borthwick has admitted he has made contact with Exeter's star wing Feyi-Waboso ahead of the 2024 Six Nations.
Despite being born in Wales, possessing a strong Welsh accent, and emerging from Cardiff’s academy, the 21-year-old made a move to the Premiership in 2022 by joining Wasps.
Following the challenges faced by the Midlanders, Exeter promptly secured the talented player, and his impressive displays this season have propelled him into consideration for a spot in the Test squad.
Born to Nigerian parents, Feyi-Waboso grew up as one of six siblings in Llandaff, and kicked off his club rugby journey with Rumney RFC, while also being heavily involved in athletics specialising in hurdles and high jump.
He also represented Cardiff Schools at Under 11s and Under 15s level before progressing further in the Cardiff Rugby pathway with the age grade sides and academy.
#2. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Despite his young age, Smith has displayed remarkable composure under pressure, excellent decision-making skills, and a precise kicking game.
With his ability to control the tempo of a match and orchestrate the backline, Smith could offer England a fresh and creative approach in the pivotal fly-half position.
Borthwick should consider giving Smith the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage.
Fin Smith of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Gloucester Rugby and Northampton Saints at Kingsholm on 3 December. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
Snapped up by Sale Sharks from the wreckage of the Wasps academy's financial turmoil, Opoku-Fordjour took a detour to National League outfits Stourbridge and Sedgley Tigers for the latter part of the 2022/23 season.
Since making waves as an England age-grade sensation at the U20s Junior World Championship in Cape Town, the rising star has swiftly ascended the pecking order at Sale in recent months.
England Test loosehead Joe Marler didn't waste a moment in expressing his admiration when he briefly crossed paths with the youngster at The Stoop in early December, offering his thoughts on live TV. Marler exclaimed, “There is a young tighthead that has come off the bench for Sale.
"He replaced James Harper in the warm-up, something like that… I have got a big thing about young, up-and-coming front-rowers. Fin Baxter for us… but this guy, (Sale’s) No18, I like the look of.”
#4. Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs)
The 24-year-old former Ospreys flanker broke through at North Harbour in his native New Zealand – but qualifies for the Red Rose men through his England-born father.
After establishing himself in the East Coast Bays Prem side, the next step up the ladder was to convince Mitre 10 Cup side North Harbour that he was worth a punt.
In his first season in the Prem side, they got to the final but lost it in the final few minutes. To pile on the misery, Roots’ coach then told him he had missed out on a contract with Harbour straight after the match. The following year, Roots was part of the side that went back and won the final, which resulted in North Harbour giving him a shot.
Then things really started to happen. After just five games with Harbour, three of New Zealand’s four Super Rugby franchises – the Crusaders, Chiefs and the Hurricanes – had put contract offers in front of him. But it wasn’t a difficult decision. As soon as the call came from Crusaders boss Scott Robertson, Roots said yes as fast as he could.
Suddenly he was sharing a dressing room with some of the best players in the world; All Blacks Scott Barrett, Joe Moody, Luke Romano, Codie Taylor, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Richie Mo’unga and Sevu Reece, to name a few.
Then came the move to the Ospreys. Head coach Toby Booth had tried to sign Roots at the start of the season, but the timing wasn’t right. Roots’ first child had just arrived and he didn’t feel like he could leave. However, when the chance to come on loan arose later in the year, he went for it.
Having made an impression during his temporary spell with his abrasive style of play, Roots was offered his permanent deal and, this time, couldn’t say no.
From there, Roots did not look back and his eye-catching displays earned him rave reviews and many admirers, among them Rob Baxter, who moved swiftly to bring the Kiwi to Devon.
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