4. Fraser Dingwall – Northampton Saints
The narrative heading into this match focussed around Fin Smith, as the promising Northampton Saints fly half looked to state his claim for Owen Farrell’s England vacancy. However, as the match progressed against a Farrell-less Saracens, Fin Smith’s performance was overshadowed by a stunning run out from Saints’ centre Fraser Dingwall. The 24-year-old was relentless in defence, making hit after hit on the international talents amongst the Saracens arsenal.
Dingwall rose to the occasion and stopped what seemed to be a certain Saracens try, and also created one for Northampton with an excellent piece of footballing skill. Dingwall went to the boot in the Sarries 22m, and sent a neat cross field kick directly to Ollie Sleightholme, who was waiting on the right touch-line. Slightholme strolled over to score one of the easier tries of his career, with the plaudits firmly with Dingwall for the assist.
Dingwall’s had hitting defensive work-rate, and free-flowing creativity in attack has put the England midfield on notice. Henry Slade looked set-up for a return to the England squad, and seemed primed to slot straight into the vacated 13 jersey left by Joe Marchant. However, Dingwall’s performance in the win over Saracens has amped up the competition, for the places amongst Steve Borthwick’s centres in the 2024 Six Nations.
5. Alfie Barbeary – Bath Rugby
Alfie Barbeary rounds off our picks this week, and is the second Bath player in our Top 5 of impressive England hopefuls. Barbeary looks close to the complete package at number eight, offering a relentless go-forward in attack, and a physically imposing presence in defence. His set-piece has certainly progressed since joining Bath, following the financial collapse of Worcester Warriors back in October of last year.
Barbeary showcased his formidable forward drive in the early goings, after an initial rolling maul was halted by Exeter. Barbeary spun off the stalemated maul, and drove over alone for the opening score after just six minutes. The 23-year-old had not scored in the Premiership since the opening day victory against Newcastle Falcons, but added two against the Chiefs, with Bath finding top gear at the Rec. Barbeary showed great awareness for his second try, as he spotted a gap in the line and picked through from the back of a ruck.
Barbeary charged away downfield, and with a rapid motor for a man of his build, begun celebrating before he’d even grounded the ball. The back-row capped off the score with a nice dive over the line, before he was mobbed by his Bath teammates. Ben Spencer certainly had an influence in this try, with his NFL quarter-back like faking possession at the ruck, which diverted the attention away from Barbeary, who capitalised for the try.