Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has drawn a striking comparison between emerging England Under-20s back row Seb Kelly and former Wallabies great David Pocock, highlighting the youngster’s potential to develop into a dominant presence at the breakdown.
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Kelly has steadily risen through England’s age grade system. He captained the Under-19 side in a high scoring victory over Japan before stepping up to the Under-20 squad last year.
Rugby runs in the family, as he is the younger brother of Dan Kelly, who has since switched international allegiance to Ireland.
During the most recent Under-20 Six Nations, Kelly started four of England’s five matches. The team recorded three wins and two defeats, finishing third behind France and Ireland. His performances during that campaign have further strengthened his reputation as a player to watch.
Sanderson has been particularly impressed with Kelly’s attitude and resilience. “Young Seb Kelly has fought his way into that team and done really well, he’s having a week off because he played the full game on Sunday.”
“He’s steely. Certainly not, I say jump, he says how high sort of conversations, there’s back and forth which is great for a young lad. Disappointed when he’s not in the squad, which is brilliant.
“I hark back to the Joe Carpenter’s and Bevan Rodd’s who were in the academy changing room like he is, they’d be annoyed every Monday when they’re not in that squad.
“Tough as nails, I wouldn’t want to meet the guy down a dark alley if he had some beef on me, but he’s certainly got the mentality to make it.
“Physically, he’ll mature but he’s stocky, a Pocock-esque seven, he’s going to be great over the ball, low centre of gravity when he carries.”
The comparison to Pocock is significant. Widely regarded as one of the finest openside flankers of his generation, Pocock built his reputation on relentless physicality and elite breakdown skills.
He made his Test debut in 2008 and quickly became a central figure for Australia, earning major honours including the John Eales Medal.
