As the squad focus on the challenge of Italy in Rome on Sunday, Zach Mercer’s Bath Rugby clubmate Anthony Watson has revealed his top tips if the skilful forward is to survive.
“I don’t know how to explain him,” Watson told the Daily Express. “He’s a lovely kid but… he’s not crazy, but he doesn’t really have an off button.
“He just carries on talking when he knows he shouldn’t be talking any more.
“The boys give him a lot of stick at the club, but I think he’s finally come to terms with the fact that if he’s silent and doesn’t react to things (banter), he can let those things go instead of being a young kid and kicking off at stuff or coming back with your banter.
“Sometimes that doesn’t end up so well. He’s an unbelievable player and he is a good lad, but we give him a lot of stick at the club.
“I can’t be seen to be talking too nice about him.”