Lock: Calum Green (Leicester Tigers)
The lock, who joined from Newcastle Falcons in the summer, has been one of Tigers few steady performers in the Premiership so far this season. He is a reputable operator in the line-out, tackles hard (108 so far this season) and carries well. A very underrated player.
Lock: Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs)
Hard working around the field and an outstanding line-out forward, a bright future lies ahead for Hill, but with so many experienced options for Jones in the second-row, he will have to wait his turn.
Flanker: Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Quins boss Paul Gustard compared the back-rower to Fiji superstar Leone Nakarawa after the 22 year old responded to England disappointment in emphatic style with a blockbuster attacking display against Saracens. He’s someone who can make something out of nothing.
🌍 It’s @Alex_dombrandt‘s world, we’re just living in it. #COYQ pic.twitter.com/b2fqdm2bqh
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) January 27, 2020
Flanker: Jono Ross (Sale Sharks)
He is a sensationally-tough ball carrier with real variety, he can win you an inch in the dogfight or play out wide in the 15-metre channels. The South Africa-born back-rower has great hands, is a top line-out athlete and tackles anything, sitting second in the Premiership’s tackle count with 148.
Number 8: Nathan Hughes (Bristol Bears)
The powerhouse was the driving force behind Bristol’s 34-16 victory over Gloucester last weekend, prompting questions about whether the No 8 can force his way into the England squad in the absence of Billy Vunipola. Short answer, he should be in.