Asher Opoku-Fordjour tipped to be England's answer to Bok powerhouse

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson believes prop sensation Asher Opoku-Fordjour can be England’s answer to Thomas du Toit, the Springbok powerhouse who can operate on both sides of the front-row at Test level.

Sale’s Opoku-Fordjour, who is just 20-years-old, made his England debut at tighthead as a replacement in the win over Japan on Sunday having joined the squad as a loosehead. Sale have always maintained that Opoku-Fordjour is equally effective on the tighthead and Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, now appears to have agreed that the prop can play both sides – a priceless ability that du Toit, known as the Tank, has shown for the Springboks and Bath.

Sanderson, who is preparing Sale for their home game with Leicester on Sunday, said: “For me, tighthead is Asher’s primary position and I hope England are turning towards that opinion. I am still not going to silo him as a tighthead alone and Thomas du Toit is evidence enough that you can play both sides.

"You can’t find tightheads of his mobility and quality so to have one at Asher’s age and ability is special. He will be tighthead for us for the most part but I know he wants to be able to play both sides and has that capability.

“I am dead made up for him and super proud. I said to him before (he made his debut) to enjoy it and his whole family got into the (England) changing room and got some pictures. We gave him a round of applause and I didn’t expect him to get to this stage at this point (of his career) – he had the potential – but went down to training camp as a loosehead. They were impressed so much they put him across to tighthead.”

Sanderson is delighted Borthwick and the England forwards coaches have finally recognised the unique physical and technical attributes that mark the Sale youngster out as a long term solution to bolstering England’s front-row numbers.

He added: “That is the first time they (England) have considered him there in our communications because they see him at loose because of the 20st Gloucester lad (Afolabi Fasogbon). I am really happy they are looking at him in that position because it suits us as well.

"We have spoken about taking this step in your stride, don’t become complacent and understand how players at some point have the crash, the emotional low of getting a first cap and being involved in the England set up and that is inevitable.

“It is about being aware and being in control of that crash and giving him time off. It's about how long he can maintain his intensity and motivation and then go away and put his feet up for a week and get his Mum to cook for him. He can come back in rejuvenated.”