England head coach Steve Borthwick keenly observed several players during an exhilarating set of Gallagher Premiership semi-final matches.
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On Friday night, Northampton Saints, the league leaders, secured their spot in the Premiership final with a nail-biting 22-20 victory over Saracens.
Today, Bath triumphed over Sale with a captivating 31-23 win, setting up a Premiership final clash against Northampton Saints.
Here, we highlight five standout players who likely caught Borthwick's eye with their impressive performances.
#1. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Planet Rugby: "Once again, Mitchell was a livewire who was a real threat around the fringes. Was somehow denied a great try by the brilliant Juan Martin Gonzalez, but that didn’t detract from an immense performance."
TNT Sports: "Mitchell played a key role in Northampton’s rise to the Premiership summit, with his 11 assists the most by any player during the regular season.
"The England scrum-half was involved in everything positive for the Saints once more this evening and, but for Gonzalez’s tremendous last-ditch tackle, he would have got his name among the try scorers."
Gallagher Man of the Match Alex Mitchell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final match between Northampton Saints and Saracens at cinch Stadium at FranklinÕs Gardens, Northampton on 31 May 2024. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints)
Planet Rugby: "Should be going to New Zealand with England after a stunning season and was once again excellent here."
Curtis Langdon of Northampton Saints celebrates with fans during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final match between Northampton Saints and Saracens at cinch Stadium at FranklinÕs
Gardens, Northampton on 31 May 2024. - PHOTO: Mat Mingo/PPAUK
Gardens, Northampton on 31 May 2024. - PHOTO: Mat Mingo/PPAUK
#3. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks)
Planet Rugby: " For the first 60 minutes he was probably the best player on the field. Carpenter caught pretty much every high ball and was so dangerous on the counter.
"Surely Steve Borthwick will be calling ahead of England’s mid-year games"
Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks is tackled by Thomas du Toit of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 1 June 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Ted Hill (Bath RFC)
Rugby Pass: "The glue of the Bath back row. His 12th-minute try set the tone, making a meaty break and then having the patience to stay wide and get a second touch. His interventions counted."
#5. Ollie Lawrence (Bath RFC)
Rugby Pass: "Excellent. Supreme offload in the lead-up to the Beno Obano try followed by a try-saving tackle on Tom O’Flaherty."
