3. Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)
Bath loose-head prop Beno Obano last featured for England in the Summer of 2021, yet with Joe Marler’s international career reportedly winding down, the door could well open back up if he maintains this form. Obano impressed all on-lookers in the West Country derby, with set-piece dominance being a highly commended area of his game. England’s front row looks set for a re-shuffle in this ‘new era’, and Obano certainly threw his hat in the ring with a solid performance against Gloucester.
The loose-head prop began the afternoon with a well-taken try from close range, as he ducked down and drove through the red and white wall. Obano also had a key contribution in Bath’s penalty try, as he drove the blue, back and white tank towards Gloucester’s try-line, before it was illegally halted. An honourable mention is in order to Tom Dunn, who led the up-front battle with Obano in this local clash. A late addition to the England scene in the Eddie Jones era, Obano has not yet gotten the nod from Borthwick.
Obano ensured that Bath won their own scrum on every put in, and even once stole the ball against the head of the Cherry and Whites. The 29-year-old ran out a strong shift, as he was called to the side-lines with just 10 minutes left to play. With three England caps to his name, Obano’s international debut came in the 2021 Six Nations against Scotland. Keep up this kind of form, and Borthwick could well return Obano to the international camp and gain some valuable game time in the competition, and England A side.