Tom Willis is tearing up the turf this season, proving he's more than ready to up his game for England under Steve Borthwick's command. The 26-year-old Saracens standout, and younger sibling of Jack Willis, has been a fixture in England’s lineup, despite not yet sealing a full 80-minute performance at the international level. But with the Autumn Nations Series looming, his recent form suggests he's about to explode onto the scene.
After dazzling in the early rounds of the PREM Rugby season with Saracens, Stuart Barnes has lauded Willis, especially ahead of the anticipated London derby against Harlequins. "In Tom Willis, Mark McCall’s men have the most dynamic ball-carrying forward in the Prem," Barnes noted in The Times. This sentiment echoes Saracens coach Mark McCall's decision to start Willis at No.8 while Ben Earl, recently returned from the Lions tour, will flank him at openside in his season debut.
"Big moments"
Despite Earl traditionally holding the No.8 spot for England, Willis’s performances in Argentina and a non-capped game against France, have cemented his place, showcasing his explosive power and knack for critical plays. "After Saracens put 50 points past Bristol Bears, McCall described Willis’ ‘big moments’ so far this season," said Barnes, emphasizing the impact Willis has had on the field.
Willis's ball-carrying isn’t just about brute strength; it’s about timely execution. "He picked up a solitary, forgotten World Cup warm-up cap against Wales during the wasteland of England’s nightmare non-rugby period that was Steve Borthwick’s first year in charge," Barnes recalled, highlighting Willis’s resilience through turbulent times. Now, his presence on the field is undeniable, often turning the tide of the game by dominating breakdowns and disrupting opponents’ phase play.
With the return of Owen Farrell, attention has been split, but Barnes insists that for Harlequins to stand a chance this Sunday, "it is Willis, more than any other Saracens player, who must be negated." If Quins are forced into excessive tackling again, Willis’s impact will likely tilt the scales in Saracens' favor. As England gears up to face Australia on November 1st, all eyes will be on Willis to carry his formidable form onto the international stage, possibly redefining his role in the national team.
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Tom Willis is tearing up the turf this season, proving he's more than ready to up his game for England under Steve Borthwick's command. The 26-year-old Saracens standout, and younger sibling of Jack Willis, has been a fixture in England’s lineup, despite not yet sealing a full 80-minute performance at the international level. But with the Autumn Nations Series looming, his recent form suggests he's about to explode onto the scene.
After dazzling in the early rounds of the PREM Rugby season with Saracens, Stuart Barnes has lauded Willis, especially ahead of the anticipated London derby against Harlequins. "In Tom Willis, Mark McCall’s men have the most dynamic ball-carrying forward in the Prem," Barnes noted in The Times. This sentiment echoes Saracens coach Mark McCall's decision to start Willis at No.8 while Ben Earl, recently returned from the Lions tour, will flank him at openside in his season debut.
"Big moments"
Despite Earl traditionally holding the No.8 spot for England, Willis’s performances in Argentina and a non-capped game against France, have cemented his place, showcasing his explosive power and knack for critical plays. "After Saracens put 50 points past Bristol Bears, McCall described Willis’ ‘big moments’ so far this season," said Barnes, emphasizing the impact Willis has had on the field.
Willis's ball-carrying isn’t just about brute strength; it’s about timely execution. "He picked up a solitary, forgotten World Cup warm-up cap against Wales during the wasteland of England’s nightmare non-rugby period that was Steve Borthwick’s first year in charge," Barnes recalled, highlighting Willis’s resilience through turbulent times. Now, his presence on the field is undeniable, often turning the tide of the game by dominating breakdowns and disrupting opponents’ phase play.
With the return of Owen Farrell, attention has been split, but Barnes insists that for Harlequins to stand a chance this Sunday, "it is Willis, more than any other Saracens player, who must be negated." If Quins are forced into excessive tackling again, Willis’s impact will likely tilt the scales in Saracens' favor. As England gears up to face Australia on November 1st, all eyes will be on Willis to carry his formidable form onto the international stage, possibly redefining his role in the national team.