Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has come out on top of the try-assist charts, for the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership regular season. Care leads the way with 12 try assists this season, and has certainly proved that he is still at his best despite coming into the twilight of his career.
Care’s most memorable assist this season came during the Big Game 14 event at Twickenham Stadium, as Harlequins put Exeter Chiefs to the sword for a 40-5 victory. Care pulled off an audacious piece of skill, sending a completely blind behind-the-back offload to the charging line of Harlequins Prop Sam Riley, as Care was tackled into touch.
Care has certainly given England Head Coach Steve Borthwick something to think about, as he gets ready to announce the wider England training squad for 2023 Rugby World Cup. After such a stellar season, Care should well be in contention to bolster the halfbacks, and he could at least offer valuable advice to the likes of Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell.
The Northampton Saints scrum half is just one try-assist behind Care, and Mitchell could well overtake the Harlequin with his club side making this year’s Premiership play-offs. The top five try-assisters continue with two Saracens stars, either side of Care’s halfback partner Marcus Smith.
Saracens star Alex Goode has made 10 try-assists throughout the Premiership season, and is followed by Smith and Elliot Daly, who both have nine each. It certainly is promising to see from an England perspective, how the try-assist table has a top five of potential England candidates. Such versatility and cohesion in the back-line will become a vital attribute for Steve Borthwick’s side, as they progress into the 2023 World Cup, with a rather fortunate looking tournament draw.