Willis states case with a stormer against Bristol
BURGEONING Wasps No.8 Tom Willis aims to prove why he ought to be the natural successor to Nathan Hughes should the England star move on.
With Hughes linked to a move to France when his contract expires next summer, Dai Young may be forced into seeking a big money replacement. However, a stellar display from Willis against Bristol last weekend suggests the answer lies closer to home.
Willis, 19 and a Junior World Cup finalist with England U20s in June, told
The Rugby Paper: “I’ve tried to push on this season; my aim was to play in the Premiership Cup games, give the best account of myself and see what happens after that.
“With a few guys away or injured, I’ve been fortunate to have had Premiership opportunities and be trusted by the coaches.
“It’s understandable that big names like Nathan and Nizaam Carr will be back in the team now but it’s been a beneficial period for me. I’m still only 19 so I’m in no rush but there’s good competition and they’re good boys to learn off.”
Willis’ barnstorming ball-carrying was the centrepiece of a memorable performance against Bristol, with New Zealand flanker Steven Luatua feeling the full force of the youngster on one occasion by being unceremoniously dumped on his backside.
Willis, who weighs 17st 4lbs (110kgs) and stands 6ft 2ins said: “I enjoyed that game and I got my hands on the ball quite a bit. Ballcarrying’s what I enjoy most and I see my longterm position as No.8, but there are things to work on.
“My biggest work-on is my lineout so James Gaskell has helped me a lot, while Joe Launchbury’s really good in that department as well and he’s been going through my games and giving me some brilliant pointers.”
Having been named in the latest England U20s squad, Willis has unfinished business. He added: “Hopefully, I can get a crack at the Six Nations because I missed out through injury last year – then we’d like to go and win the World Cup.”