In a thrilling showdown between England A and Portugal, witnessed by a roaring crowd of 15,123 fans, the home team asserted their dominance right from the kick-off.
Hooker Jamie Blamire kickstarted the scoring frenzy within a mere three minutes, seizing the opportunity from a powerful rolling maul. England's attack, masterfully orchestrated by scrum half Harry Randall's lightning-fast distribution, spanned the width of the field. Tom Pearson and Alfie Barbeary swiftly piled on, securing a formidable 10-0 lead.
Portugal faced an uphill battle, exacerbated by Manuel Vareiro's yellow card, which further tilted the scales in England's favor. Rusiate Tuima and Will Muir capitalized on the numerical advantage, exploiting gaps in the Portuguese defense with precision. By halftime, England had surged to an imposing 50-0 lead, courtesy of clinical finishing from Josh Hodge and Jonathan Joseph.
The second half unfolded much like the first, with England maintaining their stranglehold on the game. Sam Riley and Jamie Shillcock extended the lead through sheer determination, while Portugal's spirited resistance, epitomized by Vareiro's lone effort, was commendable but ultimately insufficient. England's defense remained steadfast, denying Portugal any significant opportunities.
As the match drew to a close, Oscar Beard, Greg Fisilau, and Cadan Murley added further polish to the scoreline, securing an emphatic 91-5 victory for England A. Throughout the contest, England's cohesion and defensive prowess showcased their superiority, leaving Portugal with little room to maneuver.
#1. Alfie Barbeary
Despite being sidelined from the initial Six Nations squad due to suspension, this impactful performance against Portugal is likely to earn the attention of selectors, potentially leading to a call-up to the senior England squad for the talented Bath No 8.
His recent outstanding form for the club reaffirms his push for international recognition, a goal he has frequently appeared destined for. Following a conversation with Borthwick at a health food cafe, there's a strong indication that the young player has secured a spot in the head coach's long-term plans.
From his days as a schoolboy centre, this 23-year-old has been hailed as one of English rugby's most promising talents. He initially caught the eye in Wasps' academy as a dynamic hooker but has since flourished into a formidable No 8 at Bath, showcasing his versatility and strength in the back row.
#2. Harry Randall
Under the mentorship of Pat Lam at Bristol Bears, Randall has flourished, evolving into a dynamic and astute number nine. Were it not for a string of injuries, he would likely have secured the role of England's primary scrum-half.
However, these setbacks have caused him to slide down England's selection hierarchy, despite being the starting scrum-half for much of their 2022 Guinness Six Nations campaign. During that tournament, the 25-year-old featured as the starting No.9 in three matches and made a fourth appearance off the bench.
Nevertheless, his recent standout performance against Portugal, characterised by his ability to set a rapid tempo, should propel him back into contention for national selection.
#3. Josh Hodge
If not for an injury suffered in the second match of the Premiership season, Josh Hodge might have found himself preparing to take the field at Murrayfield this weekend instead of representing England A.
Known for his X-factor, Hodge garnered high praise from Eddie Jones and now appears to be fulfilling his immense potential as he repeatedly troubled the Portuguese opposition for 80 minutes.
In 2020, he received a call-up as an apprentice player to the England Six Nations training squad under head coach Jones—a moment he considers a highlight of his current career.
Hodge made his debut in the top flight for the Chiefs towards the end of the 2019/20 season, contributing to a memorable away victory against Bristol Bears.
Conversion by England A player Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs) during the International rugby match between England A and Portugal at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on February 25th- PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
#4. Guy Pepper
Pepper appeared to be omnipresent during the match against Portugal, illustrating why he commands such high regard from numerous quarters.
Dubbed the "Jackal king," Pepper follows in the footsteps of his father Martin, who notably represented Harlequins and England B. He received his education at Barnard Castle School before making a splash in the Premiership last season with Newcastle Falcons, tallying three tries in seven appearances.
England coach Steve Borthwick holds Pepper in high esteem, with the Harrogate native benefitting from mentorship by 2003 World Cup winner Richard Hill. Pepper's ascent to earning a full cap for England is seen as a matter of 'when' rather than 'if.'
This summer, Pepper is slated to leave the Falcons to join Bath, opting for their offer over those from Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs.
#5. Rus Tuima
The Exeter Chiefs powerhouse, nearly as broad as he is tall, delivered an impressive try during the first half against Portugal, marking himself as a highly promising talent.
With a family lineage boasting a decorated rugby heritage—his uncle earning 65 caps for Fiji, his elder sister a notable England international, and a cousin who has graced the Rugby World Cup—Tuima's destiny in the sport seemed inevitable.
After gaining valuable experience in senior rugby, including stints with Exeter Braves and dual-registration with National League outfit Plymouth Albion, the formidable forward made his debut for the Chiefs in a Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Bath at Sandy Park back in 2019.
Subsequently, he made his full Premiership debut off the bench against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena in January 2021, showcasing his potential and earning his place in Rob Baxter's selection considerations through consistently strong performances on the field.
