- Greg Fisilau is being backed for an England debut after a strong run
- The 20-year-old produced a remarkable performance as Exeter defeated Harlequins
Exeter tyro Greg Fisilau has been tipped for a summer call-up from England head coach Steve Borthwick after keeping the Chiefs Premiership play-off dream alive.
No. 8 Fisilau, still just 20, produced an excellent individual performance in his team’s 58-26 hammering of Harlequins to move them up to fifth place.
If Rob Baxter’s side beat Leicester by 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 reach a semi-final of the competition.
“He had a standout game – one of his best,” Baxter, Exeter’s director of rugby, said of Fisilau after impressing with his attitude and dynamism against Harlequins.
‘He’s had a great season. There was a direct confrontation about who would tour with England.
Greg Fisilau has been tipped for an England call-up after impressive recent form
The 20-year-old put in an impressive performance as Exeter kept their play-off hopes alive with a win over Harlequins
“I think Greg put up as big a marker as possible. Last year he played under-20 rugby. The physical development and maturity are all still to come.’
Ben Earl’s excellent Six Nations campaign marked him as England’s No.8.
But with Billy Vunipola set to end his international career by moving to Montpellier this summer, there is room for the next generation to come through.
Fisilau – who grew up alongside 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 enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. His finishing against Harlequins was excellent.
“There’s so much more to come with Manny,” Baxter said.
‘Everything you see about him is exciting. Everything about him says that we want to get this man the ball as much as possible. If he does, he will be deadly.”
Billy Vunipola’s impending move to Montpellier has created space for Fisilau in Steve Borthwick’s side
The victory on Saturday sets up an exciting final day match against Leicester for Rob Baxter’s team
Baxter has injury concerns over Jack Yeandle (knee) and Joe Hawkins (shoulder) ahead of the visit of Leicester on what will be an exciting Premiership ‘Super Saturday’.
Sale, Exeter, Harlequins and Bristol are all battling to secure the final play-off spot.
“I think today will be a decisive day for us,” Baxter said after the Harlequins win. ‘Leicester won’t want to roll over. That makes it exciting.’