3. JOE MARLER
The loose-head prop has battled back from an arm injury, with his half-time with-drawl against Ulster purely being a pre-cautionary measure from Millard. Marler emptied out his tank in the first 40 minutes, as he went toe-to-toe with Steven Kitshoff up front, and made multiple crunching hits around the park. A solid outing from the front-rower, who remains amongst the leading contenders to be England’s number one.
Alex Dombrandt was impressed with Marler’s performance, and the entirety of the forward pack:
“Full credit to the to the whole front row and the whole pack of forwards. I think, you know, we knew how big a maul threat that they were going to bring. And I thought we’d nullified that brilliantly with quite a few turnovers and then likewise at the scrum. You know, they got two-time winning World Cup prop, and I thought Will Collier was was outstanding alongside Jack Walker and Joe Marler, that that really gave us some, some dominance there and field position from the penalties that we won. So I thought the whole forward pack was outstanding today.”
Billy Millard added: Yeah, Fin’s (Baxter) been doing really well for us. We wanted Joe to get out there and get some running in before going to England camp. He’s worked really hard to come back us, with his minor arm injury and yeah, he was outstanding. But again, we’ve got two great loose heads there, and I thought we use them well.”
4. ALEX DOMBRANDT
The Harlequins back-row is back in the England camp, after persevering through the disappointment of missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Dombrandt was a workhorse against Ulster, and made a key turn-over at the break-down to stop a potential score for the visitors.
Dombrandt discussed how his omission from France was a motivating factor, and he is ready to return to his best at the back of the England scrum.
“Yeah, I’m really, really pleased. Obviously, I was gutted not to make the World Cup squad. But then, for me, it was all about coming back to Quinn’s putting in hard yards and trying to lead the team well, and consistently good performances, with Quins, and I feel like I’ve done that. And now I’m really happy to get that opportunity again. And I’m looking forward to for what’s to come.”
5. OSCAR BEARD
After the jubilation of being called into the England camp on Wednesday, Beard’s afternoon was cut short after just 15 minutes against Ulster. The unfortunate circumstances saw Beard come off for a Head Injury Assessment, with the England bolter failing to return to play. Thankfully, Millard gave an update on Beard’s status, with the back up and about amongst the Harlequins replacements.
“He’s alright he’s up and about. I didn’t see any of that, it was the quick line-out wasn’t it, he was on the ground. Yeah. So I think he had an HIA, he’s up and about on the phone, smiling. So I think he’ll just go through the protocols and he’ll be fine.”
6. CHANDLER CUNNINGHAM-SOUTH
Chandler Cunningham-South was undeniable in the back-row, as he made countless tackles on the bruising Ulster carriers. The blindside flanker also had an impressive showing on the offensive foot, and looks like a suitable England replacement for the injured Lewis Ludlam. Only ever brought to ground with a handful of defenders hanging from him, Cunningham-South received a strong ovation after his 70th minute exit.
“Yeah, it’s great to see him get big, big minutes. And he was cramping there at the end, and rightly so. But you know, he just showed, he’s got so much go forward and aggression hasn’t he.
“He just needs to keep getting game time. And we’re stoked he’s going in with England and I’m sure he’ll be much better for it. Whether he gets starts or not, just being in that environment for Chandler is going to be outstanding for everyone.”