England determined to reclaim lost crown
NICK VERDIER finds Bath’s back rower Zach Mercer gunning to let rip at France
Zach Mercer took to the Premiership like a duck to water this season and has now set his sights on helping England recalim their Six Nations title.
The No.8 made his league debut for Bath in the second round of the Premiership against Newcastle in September, but made such an instant impact that 16 appearances later he has become a key member of Todd Blackadder’s pack.
It was therefore no surprise to see him named in Dean Ryan’s U20s squad, and 19-year-old Mercer is looking forward to taking his senior experience back to age-group level.
He said.“I’m loving playing in the Premiership. It’s pretty physical but that’s what I love about the game so I’m enjoying it and my body is feeling pretty good to be fair – Bath have been great in helping me manage my body.
“I’m looking forward to getting into camp now. It’s great to be playing with boys your own age and there’s a bit less pressure than in the Premiership too, so it should be fun.
“I’ve had a good season so far at senior level but it doesn’t mean I’m going to play differently or try to overdo things with the U20s. I’ll just do what I always do while trying to help out the others as much as I can. We won the World Cup in June but the previous Six Nations was pretty tough for us so I hope we can draw on that experience and put a few wrongs right.
“Guys like Harry Mallinder and Jonny Williams had a big influence on the squad last season with their Premiership experience and that’s definitely something I’ll be looking to bring with Jack Maunder and the Curry twins, who have played Champions Cup with Exeter and Sale.
“I’m not sure if I’ll have an official leadership role yet and it would be a pleasure to captain my country, but I just want to have fun over the next few weeks and make sure England U20s come out with the Six Nations crown.”
England will kick off their campaign against France at Sandy Park and Mercer can’t wait to take on the big French pack.
He added: “We’ve got to go out flying against the French. I played against them last in France last season and they’re very passionate as well as physical.
“They have some Top 14 experience so it’ll be tough but we’re playing in Exeter which I hope will give us an edge.”