Jack Willis produced a breakdown masterclass in front of Eddie Jones to cap Wasps’ hugely impressive victory against Northampton Saints.
Wasps made a successful return after five months of inactivity due to the coronavirus pandemic break with a deserved 34-21, four-try bonus-point win at Franklin's Gardens.
Jones was close to giving Willis his debut in South Africa two years ago until a serious injury intervened, but his latest impressive performance has led to further speculation that he might play a role in England's autumn campaign.
“It’s Eddie’s decision. England’s back-row is as strong as it’s ever been in terms of strength in depth. The young guys are all around the same age and are really coming through,” Blackett said.
“But Jack will be there or thereabouts, he can’t not be. Hopefully he keeps working hard and keeps playing well. If so I’m pretty sure he’ll get a call-up.
“Jack is proving himself at this moment in time. He’s one of the last off the training field, first on. He won’t die wondering at any time during his career.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
LIST | 5 players we'd like to see Eddie Jones call up…
1. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Quins boss Paul Gustard compared the back-rower to Fiji superstar Leone Nakarawa after the 22 year old responded to England disappointment in emphatic style with a blockbuster attacking display against Saracens. He’s someone who can make something out of nothing.
2. Joe Simpson (Gloucester)
The playmaker has an eye for the try line and accuracy from the boot. He's been a star at Kingsholm this season, scoring eight tries for the Cherry and Whites with two coming against his former side Wasps. His single cap came in the pool stage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup against Georgia, coming off the bench for Ben Youngs.
3. Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears)
A skilful dynamo of a hooker, Thacker would have brought something different to the party. He would be in contention for All Blacks selection if he were a New Zealander, according to his boss Pat Lam.
4. Jono Ross (Sale Sharks)
He is a sensationally-tough ball carrier with real variety, he can win you an inch in the dogfight or play out wide in the 15-metre channels. The South Africa-born back-rower has great hands, is a top line-out athlete and tackles anything, sitting second in the Premiership's tackle count with 148.
5. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
The 20-year-old, Jones’ original apprentice, was overlooked as a third fly-half at the expense of 21-year-old Wasp Jacob Umaga. However, his creative kicking tormented Saracens two weeks ago and he currently sits top of the pile as the Gallagher Premiership's top-scorer with 95 points.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading
