Zach Mercer’s recent message to Steve Borthwick and the England team was crystal clear: by not choosing him, you’re making a mistake.
Mercer hasn’t minced words about his exclusion from the England squad, both last summer when he was cut from the Rugby World Cup roster and again last month during the Six Nations selection. He emphasised his unique playing style compared to other No 8s in England and worldwide.
When pressed, Borthwick’s latest explanation for Mercer’s omission is outlined below.
“Zach and I had a conversation last week. We’ve had a number of conversations over the last couple of weeks with Zach since he’s come back from injury,” Borthwick said following his squad selection.
“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference and areas where we want them to develop them and add to their game. That’s the same conversation I had with Zach. It’s a competitive arena.”
Borthwick added: “When I’m talking to a player, I’m basing it in objectivity. I’m basing it on targets for them to go after, and then we can shape a shared understanding of what we’re seeing.
“Granted, sometimes as a coach you want something specific in a team, I’m always looking at all the coaches and all the players that are able to provide that.”
Reacting to that reason, one fan wrote: “Mercer’s face clearly doesn’t fit.”
The 40 greatest England players of all time have been ranked in controversial list
Scroll down to discover the 40 greatest rugby players of all time, as chosen by fans.
40 best English rugby players of all-time
#40. Mike Teague
#39. Wade Dooley
#38. Manu Tuilagi
#37. Dylan Hartley
#36. Trevor Woodman
#35. Kyran Bracken
#34. Billy Vunipola
#33. Joe Marler
#32. Steve Thompson
#31. Will Carling