#1. Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs) – "Capstick Crumbles as Quins Run Riot"
Exeter Chiefs suffered a club-record sixth straight loss, with Harlequins taking full advantage of their woes. Richard Capstick, a versatile option in the Chiefs' lineup, couldn't live up to his usual form.
He struggled across multiple positions, making this an outing to forget for the former England U20 standout. Exeter's ongoing slump continues, and Capstick's England aspirations might be slipping as well.
#2. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) – "Slade's Comeback Hits a Speed Bump"
In his return from shoulder surgery, Henry Slade's skills were on display, but Exeter's defeat overshadowed his contributions. Released by England to regain match fitness,
Slade offered moments of brilliance, like a slick pass to set up Woodburn's try. Yet, a few defensive missteps allowed Harlequins to capitalize. With England facing the All Blacks next week, Slade's form may not yet be convincing enough to secure his starting spot.
Gloucester dominated Newcastle, and captain Callum Chick struggled to make his mark. Outplayed by Gloucester's Zach Meier, Chick couldn't rally his team or impose himself on the game.
His England chances look slimmer after this lackluster performance, and Falcons fans will be hoping for a quick rebound from their skipper.
#4. Tom Willis (Saracens) – "Willis Left Watching as Tigers Tame Sarries"
Leicester squeezed past Saracens with a nail-biting 32-29 win, keeping their unbeaten away streak alive. But Tom Willis found himself on the sidelines of the action, unable to exert his usual influence. Known for his tackles and powerful carries, Willis fell short this weekend, leaving England's selectors with little reason to elevate him to the national squad just yet.
#5. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath) – "Big Joe Silenced as Bath Roars Past Sale"
Bath's impressive win over Sale wasn't enough to bring Joe Cokanasiga back into the spotlight. Paired with Muir for the first time since injury, Cokanasiga found little room to unleash his power on the Sale defense. Missing his usual game-breaking try, "Big Joe" will need a few more impactful performances before England selectors take a closer look.
Seven HUGE Shocks as Steve Borthwick Drops Elite Contract List – Fans Can't Believe These Big-Name Snubs!
While fan-favorite fly-halves George Ford, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith secured their places, a few seasoned veterans and rising stars were unexpectedly left off the list.
Here’s a breakdown of the big names left in the cold:
Known for his larger-than-life personality and notorious social media presence, Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been a stalwart in England's front row for over a decade. Marler’s experience and resilience have made him a fan favorite, but he finds himself off the initial elite contract roster. Many believed his scrummaging expertise would secure him a spot, especially given the lack of tighthead props in the group. Is Borthwick looking toward the next generation of props? Time will tell.
Leicester’s iconic tighthead Dan Cole, who boasts over 100 caps for England, also misses out. Cole’s scrummaging dominance is well-documented, and he's a household name in English rugby circles. His exclusion raises eyebrows, as he's been a vital presence in England's set-piece. Perhaps the 36-year-old veteran's omission signals an intent to groom younger props for the future.
Bath's powerhouse back-rower Sam Underhill is another standout name left off the list. Renowned for his bone-crunching tackles and defensive work, Underhill's omission has been met with surprise. His impact in England's 2019 World Cup run was immense, and he's still at the peak of his game, so his absence could indicate a shifting focus toward bolstering England's attacking options.
