"On Borthwick's Radar" – 5 Uncapped England Hopefuls who Impressed: Champions Cup & Challenge Cup Round 2

12/17/2024 05:37 AM

As the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup rolled into its second round, there was plenty of uncapped England hopefuls for Steve Borthwick to keep an eye on. With little over a month before England commence their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaign away to Ireland, these five players all put their hands up for a future on the Test match stage.

Here’s a look at five standouts from this past weekend’s Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action, who could soon wear the red rose on the international stage.

1. Tom Wyatt (Exeter Chiefs)

Exeter Chiefs 21 – 64 Stade Toulousain

Exeter Chiefs may have endured a humbling defeat against Stade Toulousain, but it was a game to remember for Tom Wyatt. The winger's performance was a silver lining amidst a tough outing for the Chiefs, as he showcased his attacking prowess with two well-taken tries. Wyatt's ability to exploit space and finish clinically stood out, especially against a team of Toulouse's caliber.

Wyatt's remarkable tally of over 100 meters gained with ball in hand, highlighted his relentless work rate and willingness to take on the titanic Toulousain defenders. Whether bursting through tackles or chasing kicks along the touchline, Wyatt was a constant threat to Toulouse's defensive line. His pace and agility allowed him to break through gaps, making him one of the standout performers in an otherwise forgettable match for the Chiefs.

What makes Wyatt's display even more impressive is the context of his team's struggle. Against one of Europe's strongest sides, his composure and determination never wavered, despite the immensity of battling the six-time Champions Cup winners. If he continues to deliver performances of this caliber against sides brimming with top international stars, Wyatt could well find himself in contention for his own England honors sooner rather than later.

2. Cadan Murley (Harlequins)

Harlequins 53 – 16 DHL Stormers

Harlequins were in rampant form during their demolition of the DHL Stormers, and Cadan Murley was at the heart of it all. The explosive wing ran in a sensational hat-trick, cementing his reputation as one of England's most exciting uncapped talents. Playing in front of England head coach Steve Borthwick, Murley's trio of tries could not have been better timed.

Murley's finishing ability was on full display as he capitalized on Harlequins' fluid attacking play. Whether weaving through defenders or powering over the South African side’s gain-line, his tries highlighted a versatility that backs him for Test match contention. Not content with just rounding off the tries, Murley contributed in other areas too, with sharp defensive reads and relentless work off the ball to create opportunities for his teammates in the famous quarters.

Having already impressed in the England A match against Australia A earlier this past November, Murley's stock continues to rise in the eyes of the international coaches. With consistent improvement and a knack for delivering in big games, it seems only a matter of time before he dons the senior England jersey after a sporadic involvement in wider training camps. Performances like this will make it hard for Borthwick to ignore him.

3. Callum Hancock (Newcastle Falcons)

Newcastle Falcons 14 – 22 Dragons RFC

Newcastle Falcons' four-match home winning streak came to an end with a defeat to Dragons RFC, but the night marked a significant milestone for Callum Hancock. Thrust into the starting lineup after tight-head Richard Palframan's late withdrawal, Hancock seized his opportunity with a mature and industrious display on debut. Sharing the limelight was his twin brother, Connor, who made his own debut off the bench in the matches latter stages.

Hancock's scrummaging was solid throughout, holding firm against a seasoned Dragons pack in some bitterly cold conditions. Beyond his set-piece work, the young prop was active in open play, making some strong tackles and offering himself as a willing ball-carrier to take his side onto the front foot. His ability to adapt under the pressure of a last-minute call-up spoke volumes about his temperament and readiness for top-flight rugby.

While the Falcons fell short of victory, Hancock's maiden Falcons start provided a glimpse of the potential he brings to the front row. With his combination of strength, mobility, and composure, he is a player who could thrive in England's setup with further experience. His twin brother's emergence only adds to the excitement surrounding the Hancock name in Newcastle.

4. Rotimi Segun (Saracens)

Stade Francais 17 – 28 Saracens

Saracens continued their strong start to the Champions Cup with a victory over Stade Français, and Rotimi Segun played a pivotal role in their success. The winger was superb in the air, constantly harassing the Stade backfield and winning key moments that swung the game in Saracens' favor. His work off the ball and ability to contest high balls set the tone for a dominant second half, as he picked up from where he left off against the Bulls a week prior.

Segun's highlight of the match came when he drew a yellow card from Stade's defense, creating a numerical advantage that Saracens exploited to take control out in Paris. His kick-chasing and aerial skills were complemented by sharp decision-making and excellent positional awareness. Defensively, he was equally impressive, shutting down attacks with well-timed tackles and tracking back effectively.

Segun's all-around game has developed significantly this season, making him an invaluable asset for Saracens and a potential bolter for England’s 2025 Six Nations campaign. With his blend of athleticism and game intelligence, he has all the tools to thrive at the international level, and performances like this will keep him firmly on Steve Borthwick's radar.

5. Emeka Illione (Leicester Tigers)

Leicester Tigers 56 – 17 Hollywoodbets Sharks

Leicester Tigers' back-row Emeka Illione is a name England fans should keep on their own radar, and his cameo against the Sharks offered a tantalizing glimpse of his exciting potential. Coming off the bench for a half hour outing, Illione made an immediate impact. Scoring a try that showcased his power and awareness in close quarters, the England U20s man matched the physicality of the South African side. His work rate in both attack and defense stood out, as the Tigers sunk their claws into the Sharks.

Illione's physicality was evident as he threw himself into tackles and rucks, disrupting the Sharks' momentum and curtailing their high-octane brand of attack. His ball-carrying added dynamism to the Tigers' own front-foot ball, as he gained some solid ground and drew in defenders for an outside overlap. Despite limited game time, he demonstrated a maturity and rugby IQ beyond his years, making smart decisions under pressure in the pool stage clash.

As Leicester continues to nurture his talent, inbetween loan spells with Championship side Nottingham, Illione's trajectory is only looking up. His ability to influence games in short bursts suggests he could thrive with extended opportunities, and England's coaching staff will no doubt be monitoring his progress closely. A future in the senior England setup seems well within his grasp if he continues to deliver performances like this.

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