Zach Mercer's verdict after being left out wasn't complimentary of Steve Borthwick
Rugby NewsTuesday, 04 June 2024 at 14:46
When Steve Borthwick’s latest England squad was announced yesterday, the biggest talking points centred on the players who were left out. One prominent name in the discussion was Gloucester number 8, Zach Mercer.
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Mercer, who was named player of the year in the French league during Montpellier’s championship-winning season in 2022, has struggled to secure a consistent place in Borthwick’s national squad.
The Gloucester No. 8, previously omitted from the Six Nations squad, has once again been left out of the group of 19 players set to gather this week before the summer Tests in Japan and New Zealand.
Instead, uncapped Exeter star Greg Fisilau has been included, pushing Mercer down to fifth in the pecking order for English No. 8s.
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
In an exclusive interview with RugbyPass, RFU director of rugby performance Conor O’Shea hinted that the focus is on the future, specifically under-20 players, rather than Zach Mercer.
O’Shea emphasised the need to balance experience with youth, stating that squads are chosen to field the strongest team for each match. This suggests that Borthwick views Mercer as less competitive than other experienced back-rowers and believes younger, less experienced players will benefit more from the opportunity.
O’Shea was understandably cautious in his remarks, providing what many might consider political answers. However, it seems clear that Mercer is unlikely to don an England shirt in the near future.
“There would be players that Steve might pick tomorrow that would be ahead of some of the players that are potentially there now, and it’s getting that balance” O’Shea said.
“We said this right from the start about young players popping out of the U20s that we want to keep that connection amongst them as well as the senior players and it’s getting that balance. Listen, it’s a massive honour to play for your country at any level and this is a big Test match against Portugal, but we are trying to balance.
“You could look across and say there are a number of players, ‘Should they be in?’ Every position has been discussed with what’s right for this particular game as opposed to what would be happening if you were running out into the Six Nations, plus making sure we have the strongest type of team available.
“That’s the rationale behind some of the selections. And Steve has spoken to a couple of players who might think, ‘Are we second in, are we third in the team and we’re not in this’ and he has spoken to them.”
Mercer's response to being left out for the Six Nations:
Mercer said: “I’ve been open with Steve, I’ve told him my opinions on it. I thought I haven’t really been given a crack which is what I feel like, to not even be given a game to try and prove myself is tough.
“I just don’t feel like he values what I can offer as a player and that’s me being honest, I don’t think he values what I can bring.
“Obviously I don’t fit into the system that he wants to run and, whether I agree with that or not, it is what it is.
“My focus now is on Gloucester and England can take a step aside for the moment.”
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on October 14th, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher)
Borthwick response:
“Zach and I had a conversation last week. We’ve had a number of conversations over the last couple of weeks with Zach since he’s come back from injury.
“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference. It’s a competitive arena.
“And [we highlight] areas where we want them to develop them and add to their game. That’s the same conversation I had with Zach.
“When I’m talking to a player, I’m basing it in objectivity. I’m basing it on targets for them to go after, and then we can shape a shared understanding of what we’re seeing.
“Granted, sometimes as a coach you want something specific in a team
Current number 8 pecking order
- 6. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
- 5. Zach Mercer (Gloucester Rugby)
- 4. Alfie Barbeary (Bath Rugby)
- 3. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
- 2. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
- 1. Ben Earl (Saracens)
Five biggest shocks from Borthwick’s latest squad – Zach Mercer left out again
There were a number of high-profile absentees as Steve Borthwick named a 19-player training squad to begin preparations for the forthcoming Summer Series against Japan and New Zealand.
The squad will assemble at Pennyhill Park on Monday 27 May for a four-day training camp.
England’s Summer Series begins on Saturday 22 June with a Test match against Japan in Tokyo before embarking on a two-Test tour of New Zealand in July.
High-profile absentees:
#1.Joe Launchbury (Harlequins)
There have been rumours that the veteran might have done enough to earn a recall. Although he missed the last few games due to a calf injury, there's still a good chance he could join the squad as the final announcement approaches.
Joe Launchbury of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on October 14th, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher)
#2. Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
There was a lot of buzz this week about Mercer possibly returning to the international team. However, yet another squad was announced without him being recalled. The sidelined number 8 must be questioning what more he needs to do to earn a spot on the team.
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester)
The young fullback, who has been making waves for Gloucester in recent months, has been overlooked this time. Born in Aberystwyth, the 20-year-old is now on the radar of Wales boss Warren Gatland.
Given what happened with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso earlier this year, it's crucial for Gatland to integrate the 20-year-old into the Welsh setup soon, or they risk losing another talented youngster to their neighbours.
Josh Hathaway of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4&5. Joe Marler (Harlequins) & Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers
We can only assume that the veteran forwards, who have been key players for the England squad since Steve Borthwick took charge, have been granted some additional time off before joining the camp at a later stage.
Joe Marler of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 10 February 2024 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#6. James Williams (Bristol Bears)
He has risen from obscurity to become a mainstay of the Bristol midfield, earning a spot in the Telegraph Premiership Team of the Season.
The 27-year-old, who found stability at Bristol after moving between several clubs, proved to be an assured playmaker and ultimately became a guaranteed starter for the Bears during their successful run after Christmas.
James Williams of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leicester on 27 April 2024. Photo: James Whitehead/PPAUK
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