England head coach Eddie Jones made it a number of the Gallagher Premiership matched over the weekend.
What would Jones have learned from the encounters?
If he were picking a side based entirely on the two regional jousts, who would be in it?
RUCK tries to help him out…
BACK THREE
15. Max Malins (Bristol Bears) – Beat a couple of defenders and will only get better, although he may see more time at 10 when Charles Piutau returns.
14. Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath Rugby) – The speedster, as he had promised in the build-up, was clearly determined to show the England coaching contingent he has not lost the X-factor which earned him World Cup squad selection in Japan last year.
Look at that finish from Ruaridh McConnochie!
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) August 22, 2020
With Eddie Jones smiling on from the stands, the @bathrugby winger shows what he’s all about 💥
Brilliant strength to swat defenders away and reach the try line!#RugbyRestart pic.twitter.com/RDeSFrx4c8
11. Olly Woodburn (Exeter Chiefs) – Normally finishing off tries but Woodburn turned provider on Friday against Sale, setting up tries for Sam Simmonds and Stuart Hogg.
CENTRE
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs): His absolutely brilliant no look inside pass set up Sam Simmonds opening try. Different gravy.
No time wasted 😤@ExeterChiefs cross the try line after 95 seconds and it Sam Simmonds with the finish!
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) August 21, 2020
Henry Slade’s skip pass made this one, wait for the replay 😍#RugbyRestart pic.twitter.com/Rn4Rp76cSp
12: Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks) – The powerhouse ran rampant over arguably the most physical side in the Gallagher Premiership over the last five years in Exeter Chiefs. Faded as the game went on but there were some positive signs.
“Give that man a platform, he will give you the gain line!”
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) August 21, 2020
This is what you get from Manu Tuilagi 💥
One, two, three, four defenders trying to stop him, loads of room Tom Curry to sneak over and hit back for @SaleSharksRugby!#RugbyRestart pic.twitter.com/HlXjaNxaZp