'Class is permanent' - 5 players Steve Borthwick should call up after the weekend's rugby

Sunday, 29 January 2023 at 18:48

byRugby Rucker

Despite Steve Borthwick only just naming his first England squad, here are four players who seriously impressed for their respective clubs over the weekend.

#1. Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs)

Age: 22
Position: Fullback

Josh Hodge of Exeter Chiefs slips the tackle of Cam Jordan of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park, Exeter on 28th January 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Exeter moved up to third in the Premiership table with a 24-17 win over Gloucester at Sandy Park.

Devon Live wrote: "A decent display from the full-back, who certainly looks like he is growing into the role. Pacy and often looking to get on the front foot, be brought a real attacking sparkle to Exeter's play.

"His kicking from hand was generally good, including one beauty of a 50:22 which helped put Exe on the front foot. Decent in defence too - including keeping a Gloucester penalty in play."

#2. Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears)

Age: 28
Position: Hooker

Harry Thacker of Bristol Bears talks with Jordan Crane, Academy Transition Coach of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears at Sandy Park on 1 Jan 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Francois Hougaard scored a last-minute try as Saracens came from behind to beat Bristol 20-19. However, the player that caught many peoples eyes was Thacker.

Bristol Live wrote: "An outstanding 40 minutes to his name today. Despite numerous checks from the medics, the hooker showcased his electric carrying style as he forced gaps and got Saracens' pulses racing. Even got a five-pointer off a driving maul.

"Busy in the carry and tackle as he hunted collisions.Played a wonderful first half, which gives me the impression he was replaced at half-time because of a niggle of some description."

#3. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)

Age: 31
Position: Centre

John Evely

@JohnEvely_BPost

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This moment brought me such joy tonight. It was great to see Jonathan Joseph tearing a defence to shreds again with his agility, pace and footballing skills.

11:53 PM · Jan 27, 2023

#4 Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)

Age: 30
Position: Scrum-half

Ben Spencer of Bath Rugby looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath at Sandy Park, Exeter on 24th December 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Somerset Live wrote: "The skipper couldn’t have done any more with a 17-point haul having taken over the kicking duties and bagging a try.

" He showed fantastic pace to get on the end of a kick-through from Cam Redpath for his score and set up Joseph’s score with an on-the-money grubber through."

#5. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)

Age: 22
Position:Winger

Ollie Sleightholme of Northampton Saints is Gallagher Premiership Man of the Match during the Gallagher Premiership match between Wasps and Northampton Saints at The Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on 9th October 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Northampton Saints overcame Leicester 19-18 in the East Midlands derby to spoil Freddie Burns' Tigers farewell.

Northampton Chronicle wrote: "His display went under the radar after the game but on reflection, he was absolutely vital to this win, scoring the key try with a fantastic finish, winning breakdown penalties and making a try-saving tackle late on"

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