Gustard: Chisholm is ready for Eddie
PAUL Gustard claims Eddie Jones could do a lot worse than give James Chisholm a chance with the England boss now desperately searching for another ball-carrying No.8.
Chisholm was outstanding in Quins eight-try hammering of poor French side Agen as the London club flew out of the Challenge Cup blocks in impressive fashion.
The strapping 23-year-old Sussex lad helped the Quins’ pack take control of a game they eventually won in a canter, but also shone brightly with his individual skills and strength.
Jones picks his Autumn squad on Thursday with Wasps’ Nathan Hughes facing a lengthy ban when his disciplinary hearing resumes the day before and first choice No.8 Billy still getting back to full speed and strength.
Quins chief Gustard enthused: “England are looking around for big ball carriers and James Chisholm is right up there as a No.8. He did that exceptionally well today and he impressed me. There’s not many guys who can beat that many defenders and get that many yards in heavy traffic.”
Gustard was also happy with Kyle Sinckler’s performance in the front row but heaped special praise on Charlie Mulchrone who filled the No.9 jersey with Danny Care rested.
The former England coach claimed: “Charlie was outstanding. He fronted up all day, got crucial turnovers and added zest to our attack. He’s a tough northern kid who has always been outstanding when getting the chance on the field.”
Mulchrone grabbed one try while Mike Brown, Semi Kunatani (2), Nathan Earle, George Merrick and Joe Marchant all crossed for the hosts who were also awarded a penalty try.
Quins wish they were rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite in the ChamVunipola pions Cup but they are keen to reach a fifth Challenge Cup final having won the competition three times and been runners-up two years ago.
Agen have reached the final just once before, 20 years ago, and are struggling second from bottom in the Top 14 this season.
Full-back Brown began the try fun with an early effort and Quins never looked back. Marchant fed Mulchrone for the second and powerful flanker Kunatani charged over for a third.
Agen struck back in the 35th minute with full-back Loris Tolot bursting over.
The visitors’ recovery was dented by the first of their three yellow cards with the loss of centre Alban Conduche just before the break. Quins made the most of the advantage with England wing Nathan Earle showing his speed two minutes into the second half.
Earle limped off having damaged his knee with his diving celebration.
Lock Merrick claimed the fifth try after a Quins rolling maul and wing Fouad Yaha took centre Julien Heriteau’s inside pass for Agen’s second try.
Quins were awarded a penalty try when Loic Hocquet was sent to the sin bin after deliberately knocking on to a score in the corner.
Centre Marchant raced over for the seventh try ten minutes from time while hooker Facundo Bosch grabbed a third for Agen. Kunatani’s second try ended the show.