Suddenly, the number seven looks lucky for England

THE moves made by Matt Kvesic and Sam Underhill announced this week suggests that England’s openside desert could soon become an oasis. Kvesic’s move to Exeter Chiefs brings renewed hope that his arrested development at Gloucester this season is only temporary. Baxter and his staff have a habit of getting the best out of players, and Kvesic, who was capped twice by England on the 2013 tour of Argentina has certainly got plenty to give. He returned from Argentina with Stuart Lancaster singing his praises as England’s next No.7 before opting for Chris Robshaw. However, a transfer from Worcester to Gloucester – which saw him bulk-up and slow down – did not help him flourish. Nor too, according to Baxter, did Gloucester’s decision to use Kvesic more in defence than attack. The Chiefs head coach talked about “re-igniting” the 24-year-old flanker, adding, “at Gloucester he’s become very defensively-biased. We’d like to see him become a bit more of an attacking option.” Baxter, who was England forwards coach in Argentina four years ago, said he was so impressed by the openside that he had been trying to sign him ever since. Now he’s got his man, hopefully he will go from strength to strength. The arrival of the powerful Underhill at Bath is also a coup, in terms of England eligibility and his fast-track development. Being in close proximity to No.7s of the calibre of Justin Tipuric at the Ospreys, and now Francois Louw means learning from two flankers with different skill sets – Tipuric fast and loose, and Louw a breakdown limpet. That’s not the worst openside education.