Marchant back on track for World Cup place

PAUL Gustard reveals how a pre-season kick up the backside has pushed electric centre Joe Marchant back towards England selection.

With the November series imminent, Gustard feels Marchant, 22, is one of three young Quins pressing hard for Test places. He told TRP: “We spoke a lot to Joe,

left, in pre-season and my personal feeling over my first two or three weeks was that I didn’t even know he was on the field.

“I told him that for a player of Test calibre I wanted to walk off the training field thinking, ‘Jeez, how good is this kid!’. We’ve been a lot more demanding of him and my expectations of him are to kick on and force his way towards international recognition.

“I’m not saying it’s just been me, but I’ve tried to give him some clarity around things to think about in his game – and he’s responded to that superbly.

“Joe’s been defending and tackling brilliantly and putting some pretty big hits in. He’s quick, he’s strong, good in contact and aerially sound.

“He can break tackles and create things too, so I’m very pleased with him so far and can see him playing for England before very much longer.”

Marchant is not alone, with Gustard adding: “James Chisholm has been one of our most consistent performers and Nathan Earle has been outstanding.

“Along with Joe, these are young, English players who are all desperate to try and break into England’s World Cup squad – and they have a chance.”