There is no doubt that ReesZammit crashed the scene in a big way after the clamour for him to be picked for Wales last season on the back of the tries he was scoring for Gloucester. I don’t think many people realised how quick he was until he was on a global stage with an audience of eight million watching the Wales v England match.
There was a call for entertainment more than anything during the lockdown, and Rees-Zammit brought that with his wonderful individual tries against both Ireland and Scotland. He proved beyond doubt that he is one of the quickest guys in the Six Nations, and also one of the most agile, despite being taller than people think at 6ft 3ins.
Now what he has to recognise is that to be seen as a world-class player you have to be able to do more than play in one position – which means he has to become a true back three utility. To do that he will have to work on his aerial game, in the same way that Jonny May has.
The England winger has become really accomplished in fielding the high ball through his dedication in training, and it is important for Rees-Zammit to learn from that. Any good exit strategy depends on everyone in the back three having the skill-set to cover for each other.
Before Israel Folau left our game he was a great high ball catcher, having already honed his aerial skills playing Rugby League. Folau demonstrated that if you get your timing right contesting the ball in the air, you can turn it into a real strike weapon.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
