'All Black-esque': Only a matter of time for Dombrandt to take England No.8 jersey
Harlequins No.8 Alex Dombrandt continued his pressing form with a three try performance against Northampton in front of a bumper crowd at Twickenham for Big Game 13 which has furthered calls for him to wear the same jersey for England.
Former England captain Chris Robshaw explained it's 'only a matter of time' before Dombrandt is wearing the No.8 for England on BT Sport's post-match commentary.
The Quins loose forward made his starting debut in the summer against Canada but featured off the bench against Tonga, South Africa and Australia in the Autumn.
"He has good lines, he's a smart player. When he first came to the club, everyone just saw this big guy and no one really knew much about him," Robshaw said on BT Sport's post-match coverage.
"But every time he got the ball in training he made a difference, he was taking high balls, he just looked comfortable with the ball. I think we are seeing that more and more.
"For him to do that at Twickenham, on this stage, I think it's a matter of time before he gets that England No.8 shirt as well."
Since the last World Cup England coach Eddie Jones persisted with Billy Vunipola before opting to use Tom Curry at the back of the scrum. Jones' preference for the incumbents had kept prolific Premiership try-scorer Sam Simmonds out of the side for a long time.
With Dombrandt now pushing his case forward, a logjam of options are available for Jones to pick from ahead of the 2022 Six Nations campaign that England will start on February 5th away to Scotland.
After his showing in Big Game 13, England fans were sure of Dombrandt as the man that should start.
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Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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