Tigers who are ready to roar for England in Six Nations
YOUNGS, FORD AND GENGE LOOK SET TO BE INCLUDED – BUT WHO ELSE COULD FORCE THEIR WAY IN?
England reveal their squad for the Six Nations this week as they bid to improve upon last season’s dismal fifth-place finish. In 2021, six Leicester Tigers players made their full international debuts, adding to their already-established England stars. Tigers writers Bobby Bridge and Ethan Clamp list their certainties, possibles and long shots to be included in England’s plans…
CERTAINTIES
Ben Youngs, 112 England caps
Among the first names inked into any Eddie Jones England squad. Three more Six Nations appearances and he will have a remarkable 50 to his name.
While there’s pressure for the nine shirt coming from youngsters such as Harry Randall, Raffi Quirke and Alex Mitchell, the Tigers scrum-half is in good club form and looks well set in the plans of the England head coach going into the 2023 World Cup.
George Ford, 77 caps
Ford was surprisingly left out of Jones’ squad for the autumn internationals, with the England boss instead going with the in-form Marcus Smith.
But Ford didn’t let that distract him from putting in arguably his greatest run of form of his career, winning two Premiership player of the month awards in October and December.
With uncertainty about the fitness of Owen Farrell going into the Six Nations, it would seem unlikely this time that the Sale bound fly-half will be left out.
Ellis Genge, 31 caps
Barring Covid during the autumn internationals, the Tigers captain would likely have started all three tests.
The past year has seen him rise from being used predominantly as an impact player off the bench to a key starter and part of England’s leadership group.
He is the form loosehead in the Premiership and will undoubtedly look to nail down the number one shirt this Six Nations.
Freddie Steward, 5 caps
The young full-back took to international rugby like a duck to water during the autumn internationals, winning player of the match awards and scoring tries against Australia and South Africa.
At just 21, it’s astonishing how assured and well-suited Steward seemed to be to international rugby after making his debut last summer.
Steward, right, has continued that form for Tigers, scoring two tries so far this campaign.
It is difficult to see anyone but Steward lining up at full-back against Scotland on February 5.
POSSIBLES George Martin, 1 cap
Martin was a teenager with precious little senior rugby experience when he made his Test debut from the bench against Ireland in last season’s Six Nations.
The 6ft 6in tall forward is capable as a flanker, number eight or lock and hits like a steam train.
His no-nonsense approach has been a key feature in Tigers’ approach this season. However, there are question marks over his fitness having missed the recent games against Wasps and Connacht.
Joe Heyes, 2 caps
It was a bold choice for Leicester Tigers to travel to Connacht without Dan Cole.
It was also a big vote of confidence in his understudy who, on his 87th club appearance, finally secured a maiden try.
Heyes secured his first two senior caps last summer and has maintained high standards this term, largely from the bench.
There’s a real opportunity at tighthead behind leading option Kyle Sinckler.
Nic Dolly, 1 cap
The Australia-born hooker was one of the rugby stories of 2021, progressing from the Championship with Coventry to England honours via a fantastic start to life with Leicester Tigers.
There’s some serious strength at hooker with Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie the experienced options, while Jamie Blamire blasted his way to five tries in just three Test appearances last year.
Dolly hasn’t seen a lot of rugby at hooker in recent times, but it’s clear Jones sees something in him.
Dan Kelly, 1 cap
If the centre’s name was hovering on the maybe list ahead of this week’s announcement, his contribution from the bench against Connacht may have sealed the deal.
It’s fair to say he helped change the game and his looping pass to create Hosea Saumaki’s try was top drawer.
Mark Atkinson was the surprise inclusion in the autumn but only played against Tonga.
Could it be Kelly’s turn to step back in and add to his cap earned last summer against Canada?
Kelly’s form certainly warrants him being seriously considered, even if Farrell is selected despite not playing for Saracens since October.
LONG SHOTS Dan Cole, 95 caps
The 34-year-old has not worn the Red Rose since the World Cup final defeat in 2019 but the tighthead has seen a resurgence in form so far this season.
Cole has played in all of Tigers’ Premiership fixtures so far, laying down the foundations of a formidable strong set-piece.
But it is his ability around the field that has really impressed – he can be often seen leading the kickchase and being a constant nuisance at the breakdown.
With neither Kyle Sinkler nor Will Stuart showing their best form at club level at the moment, could the Leicester man finally add to 95 England caps?
Harry Wells, 1 cap
Wells is another whose consistently high standard of form warrants his name being discussed for further England honours after making his debut last summer.
Maro Itoje, Jonny Hill and Courtney Lawes will be the likely lock trio, but there’s room for a fourth and Wells’ versatility will not hurt his chances.
Harry Potter, uncapped
England born and qualified to wear the Red Rose, the winger with a famous name has been phenomenal for Tigers this season.
His relentless kick chase, brilliant defence, ability to create something from nothing and finishing ability has seen him kick on to another level this season.
England are not short of wingers, and Jones has no issue playing nonspecialists in the role. Potter is a real punt, but we’ve seen players with strong Australian connections selected in recent times, so why not Harry?
Jack van Poortvliet, uncapped
Captained England to the 2021 Six Nations Grand Slam U20s Grand Slam and has been the main alternative to Ben Young this season.
Youngs and Randall are the main contenders at scrum-half. Quirke, so impressive in the autumn, hasn’t played since mid-December.
If England go with a third option, Northampton’s Alex Mitchell is currently ahead of Tigers’ talented 20-year-old.