But this season Ben, whose five England caps came when his brother was either injured or involved with the Lions, has forged his own identity, leading by example as Sale made a late push for the play-offs.
Ben won the last of his five caps in last year's Six Nations, starting the opening match against Scotland and coming off the bench for the final three. He had work-rate and nous but not quite the physicality.
This season has been different. He missed the opening seven weeks having been injured in last season's play-off semi-final against Leicester and ruled out of the World Cup in France, but it was quickly apparent that he was a different player from the campaign before.
"Ben is 5kg heavier than when he last played for England," said Alex Sanderson, Sale's director of rugby. "The challenge for him is to keep that weight on and keep moving as he always has done.
"Ben does what he wants and I support him.
You can see the difference around his neck and shoulders and it helps him in terms of the impacts, which is what England want from him.
Esta historia es de la edición May 19, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 19, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
