"Unique talent" - 5 Uncapped England Hopefuls who Impressed this weekend
Rugby NewsMonday, 14 October 2024 at 17:42
The fourth round of the Gallagher Premiership was wrapped up last night, as Harlequins secured a hard fought 17-10 win over Saracens, to take the bragging rights from a fiercely contested London derby. With the Autumn Internationals now less than a month away, Steve Borthwick would have had his eyes on the league, to spot any potential bolters to bring into the upcoming pre-Series camp in Girona, Spain.
We begin this countdown with an honourable mention, as Sale Sharks wing Tom Roebuck is ineligible for our run-down of "uncapped hopefuls", but was a stand-out nonetheless. Roebuck received his England Test debut in Japan last Summer, with a 21 minute outing against Eddie Jones' Brave Blossoms, being the wing's sole England involvement so far.
Roebuck was impressive against Newcastle Falcons this past Friday, as he bagged himself two tries in the Northern derby win. The 23-year-old has been named in Steve Borthwick's England training squad, and Roebuck would want nothing more than to build upon his first cap next month. Speaking after the match, Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson spoke about the recent improvements Roebuck he has made to his game:
“He’s been climbing since pre-season and getting tap-backs, but we’ve been telling him actually you need to get the ball back, and claim it in the air. The last one he catches and scores a try having to go through the man. I of all people know what it feels like when Tom Roebuck’s coming through you! He is really chuffed with that performance for the nature and the style in which he scored those tries.
“He’s putting himself up there for (England) selection, he was in camp last week so he missed a full weeks training and he still plays like that, shows his maturity.”
Here are the top five uncapped England hopefuls who impressed, from the fourth round of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.
1. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks)
We begin this list with Tom Roebuck's Sale Sharks teammate, as his fellow back three flyer Joe Carpenter keeps pushing for an England debut. Carpenter was unused on the Summer tour of Japan and New Zealand, and has been firing fast since returning back to the North West. The fullback stole the show upon his 50th cap for the Sharks, and has made himself too good to ignore in the eyes of England fans.
Watching the Northern derby at the Salford Community Stadium, Ruck Sale Sharks Reporter Charlie Elliott said: "In his 50th appearance for the club, Joe Carpenter put in yet another stellar performance and will have given Steve Borthwick some serious food for thought regarding whether the full-back should get his first senior appearance for his country.
"Alex Sanderson said that Carpenter was coming up to the peak of his career and that the best is yet to come. He focused more on the team aspect of the performance rather than individual players, but made it clear that he was very happy with the direction that Carpenter is going right now."
Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 1 June 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
2. Paul Brown-Bampoe (Exeter Chiefs)
One of the newest high flying stars of the Premiership, Exeter Chiefs have unearthed a real hidden gem in Paul Brown-Bampoe. The wing is an athletic ball carrier, but couples this with an impressive knowledge of the game, and how to best utilise the attacking back-field. Brown-Bampoe crossed over for two tries against Bristol Bears, as he was amongst the exhilarating star attractions of the fast-paced West Country derby.
Reporting on the game for Ruck was Jon Page, who recognised the raw talent that Exeter Chiefs have found. "Brown-Bampoe, the former Durham University student, is going from strength to strength. Although impressing on his debut against Leicester Tigers, today was an announcement that he is the real deal. Opposition teams will struggle to mark both him and Feyi-Waboso, a deadly strike pairing to rival Freeman and Sleightholme at Northampton Saints."
Exeter Chiefs, Paul Brown Bampoe poses during the Exeter Chiefs press session at Sandy Park, Exeter on 25th Sept 2024. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
3. Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears)
The man responsible for spoiling the party at Sandy Park, Bristol Bears wing Gabriel Ibitoye continues to put his hand up for England contention with awesome outings at club level. Ibitoye stunned the Chiefs fans and players alike, with an unprecedented hat-trick of tries within eight minutes, as the Bears snatched a win from the jaws of defeat down in Devon. Ibitoye was our pick on the left wing for Ruck's Team of the Week, and now has four tries to his name in as many Premiership matches this season.
After watching Ibitoye lead Bristol's incredible comeback against Exeter, Ruck Reporter Jon Page wrote: "Ibitoye was barely given any opportunities all game, but demonstrating the phrase ‘quality over quantity’, he scored off every chance. A phenomenal effort and if he wasn’t on the pitch, an Exeter win would seem much more likely."
Gabriel Ibitoye of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Saracens at Ashton Gate on 11 May 2024. Photo: Izzy Ninnis/PPAUK
4. Joe Batley (Bristol Bears)
Whilst Ibitoye's hat-trick of tries understandably took the headlines in Bristol's West Country derby win, lock Joe Batley was quietly plugging away and making the hard yards. The optimisation of doing the simple things right each and every time, Batley is a real lock's lock, that carries hard, tackles low and rises high to win consistent line-out ball.
Once again, Ruck's match day reporter Jon Page had his say, as he listed Batley in one of the top three players from the derby: "An unsung hero of this Bristol side. Looking past his try and assist, he was dynamic around the park and constantly involved at the ruck, in defence carried repeatedly in heavy traffic. His bump off on Ross Vintcent today is one for the highlight reel."
Joe Batley of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground on 17 November 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Will Porter (Harlequins)
Rounding off our list is Will Porter, as the Harlequins scrum half kept a level head and conducted his forwards, amidst a whirlwind of unrelenting Saracens pressure. Unafraid to get stuck in himself with chop tackles on far bigger ball carriers, Porter put his body on the line for the men in the famous quarters, when he was not barking orders at his pack, to hold the defensive rearguard. Porter embodied a commanding general in Harlequins' resilient win over Saracens, as he organised his side's incredible defensive effort.
Once Harlequins had endured another Saracens storm surge, Porter would clear the lines with some stunning box kicks. getting the idyllic combination of both territorial distance and trouble making height, Porter was a key player in Harlequins' defensive success. With Alex Mitchell and Raffi Querke both ruled out with injury, Porter could get a late call-up for England should the halfbacks ranked thin out throughout the Autumn.
Will Porter of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham Stoop, London on Sunday 22nd October 2023 (PHOTO: George Beck/PPAUK)
EDITORS PICKS:
- Finn Russell named in Premiership team of the week after silencing Gloucester fans
- STATEMENT: England coach Steve Borthwick has another senior assistant coach
- England fly-half George Ford could be set for shock exit from Sale Sharks
- Saracens flanker gives update after ‘horrendous’ incident sickened players
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Notably, a striking facet of Owens' chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
"But I go for Folau - only just, I should stress - because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
"It’s a toss of a coin for me... and it’s come down in Folau’s favour."
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."
Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."
Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: "He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
"What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years."
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Owens said: "There are lots of outside-halves who have been great, but not one who has done it over so many years like Carter.
"Before the 2015 World Cup, some people said he was past his best and wouldn’t make the New Zealand squad for the tournament.
"But for Carter to come back from injury and play as well as he did then is a sign of a special player."
Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina)
Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!
"But I’ve just plumped for Pichot who was a great player for the Pumas and also a great ambassador for the game of rugby in general.
"Pichot and Felipe Contepomi were the ones who helped transform Argentina into one of the greatest sides in the world. He was an architect behind their march to the World Cup semi-finals in 2007, which set the trend ahead of their excellent showing in the 2015 tournament, too."
Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!
"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."
Hooker: John Smit (South Africa)
Owens said: "He led the Springboks to success at the 2007 World Cup in France and against the 2009 Lions and is probably one of the greatest captains I have dealt with. He’s a good man and was a very good player at hooker."
Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)
Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.
"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.
"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything."
Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory."
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.
"He acted as a true leader should act."
Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens said: "Even though there’s been David Pocock and others in this position, how can I not go with Richie?
"If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.
"How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible."
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."
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