5. Centre: Henry Slade vs Seb Atkinson – Exeter Chiefs vs Gloucester Rugby
Re-winding back to last Summer, and it was quite a shock to see Exeter centre Henry Slade left out of Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup plans. However, the Chiefs man has certainly taken this set-back in his stride, and has started the 2023/24 Premiership season in a re-invigorated run of form. Slade has already scored two tries, and accrued a total of 74 points, with classy performances in the 13 jersey.
Slade crossed over in the opening weekend of the Premiership Rugby Cup against Bristol, as well as adding a try in the 65-10 demolition job on an albeit weakened Saracens side. A Chiefs stalwart, Slade is one of the few remaining stars of the Premiership and Champions Cup double era, and is eyeing a return to the England fray. The midfield is a definite area of contention for Borthwick’s Six Nations plans, with Joe Marchant leaving a vacancy in the centres having packed his bags for Stade Francais.
Seb Atkinson is amongst the fastest rising English talents in the Premiership, and at just 21-years-old is certainly a contender for the future of Borthwick’s midfield. The playmaker has a verteran’s awareness when it comes to decision making, and is confident to back himself in the contact. Atkinson would like nothing more than to get the upper hand on Slade, and throw his hat into the conversation regarding Marchant’s replacement. The Gloucester man brings bags of pace to Sandy Park, and can spot the slightest gaps to send his forwards through the opposition back-line.