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- Greg Fisilau has been backed to be handed an England debut after strong run
- 20-year-old produced a remarkable performance as Exeter defeated Harlequins
Exeter tyro Greg Fisilau has been tipped for a summer call from England head coach Steve Borthwick after he kept the Chiefs’ Premiership play-off dream alive.
No 8 Fisilau, still just 20, produced an outstanding individual display in his team’s 58-26 hammering of Harlequins which moved them up to fifth.
If Rob Baxter’s side beat Leicester with a bonus point on Saturday’s final day of the regular season, they will be in a good position to finish in the top four and make a league semi-final.
‘He had a standout game – one of his best,’ Exeter director of rugby Baxter said of Fisilau, after he impressed with his carrying and dynamism against Harlequins.
‘He has had a great season. There was a head-to-head confrontation going on there about who is touring with England.
Greg Fisilau has been tipped for an England call-up following an impressive recent run of form
The 20-year-old produced an impressive performance as Exeter kept their play-off hopes alive with a win over Harlequins
‘I think Greg put down as big a marker as he could. He was playing Under-20 rugby last year. The physical development and the maturity is all going to come.’
Ben Earl’s outstanding Six Nations campaign marked him out as England’s first-choice No 8.
But with Billy Vunipola set to end his international career by moving to Montpellier this summer, there is space for the next generation to come through.
Fisilau – who grew up alongside the Vunipola brothers Mako and Billy and like them has Tongan heritage – and Bath’s Alfie Barbeary are promising young options at the back of the scrum.
England face Japan on June 22 before two July Tests with New Zealand.
Exeter scored seven tries against Harlequins with wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso crossing twice.
Feyi-Waboso made his England debut in the Six Nations and has had a breakthrough campaign. His finishing against Harlequins was superb.
‘With Manny is there is so much more to come,’ Baxter said.
‘Everything you see about him is exciting. Everything about him says we want to get this guy on the ball as much as possible. When he does, he is lethal.’
Billy Vunipola’s upcoming move to Montpellier has opened up space for Fisilau in Steve Borthwick’s side
Victory on Saturday sets up a thrilling final day clash with Leicester for Rob Baxter’s side
Baxter has injury concerns over Jack Yeandle (knee) and Joe Hawkins (shoulder) for the visit to Leicester on what is set to a thrilling Premiership ‘Super Saturday.’
Sale, Exeter, Harlequins and Bristol are all in contention to secure the last play-off spot.
‘I think today will be a defining one for us,’ Baxter said after the Harlequins win. ‘Leicester are not going to want to roll over. That is what makes it exciting.’
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