These five England hopefuls did their chances no favours with poor performances during the second round of the Gallagher Premiership.
#1. Tom O'Flaherty (Exeter Chiefs)
Devon Live: "The winger was typically untacklable in attack, making extra yards after the first contact, but made a poor error to allow Northampton to score their first try through Alex Mitchell as he failed to take a bouncing ball close to his tryline."
Exeter Chiefs player Tom O'Flaherty during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road on Sept 18th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
#2. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Somerset Live: "He failed to break through the abrasive Falcons’ defensive line in his 61-minutes, which made his impact in attack minimal. Bath will hope he will return to his usual enthralling best for Friday’s game in Bristol."
Jonathan Joseph of Bath Rugby during the Challenge Cup Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Montpellier at the Recreation Ground on 1 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
Gloucestershire Live: He knocked on in the build-up to the second Leicester try and then left the field with a HIA in the 27th minute and failed to assert himself when he returned, often driving across the pitch looking for gaps which proved not to be there"
Ollie Thorley of Gloucester Rugby looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm Stadium on September 24 2021 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#4. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
Gloucestershire Live: "Five metres made from four carries highlights the talisman’s quiet evening with ball in hand. The former England man found himself with plenty of time on the ball but had few opportunities to maximise on them.The game rather passed him by."
Match Winner Billy Twelvetrees of Gloucester Rugby celebrates after winning during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and London Irish at Kingsholm Stadium on May 28 2021 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#5. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
Somerset Live: "Was unfortunate to get taken out of the game before he could make his usual stamp on it. Bath’s growing injury list is starting to become concerning, so they will hope this knock doesn’t keep him out for long. Replacement Tom Ellis took over well, with a decent defensive effort highlighted by seven tackles."
England Back rowers Sam Underhill of Bath Rugby and Tom Curry, Captain of Sale Sharks chat on the final whistle during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 14 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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