Underhill faces a fight for his place

BACK row is not one of England head coach Steve Borthwick’s problem positions in terms of competition for places, but the return of Sam Underhill at the end of the World Cup was timely.

- PAUL REES

The Bath flanker was cut from the World Cup squad early in the summer, but was summoned to France after Jack Willis was ruled out through injury. He played against Argentina in the play-off and was made man of the match having dominated the breakdown.

It was Underhill’s first Test since the summer of 2022 and two matches into his return to Bath, he was at the heart of their second half comeback against Gloucester at Kingsholm, winning one turnover after another and providing outside-half Finn Russell with front foot possession which the Scotland international fully exploited.

“It was a privilege to play for England again and be involved in the World Cup squad,” said Underhill. “It was unexpected and enjoyable, although I have still not had time to get my head around it.

“It marked an emotional high to get a good result against Argentina and to come out of the World Cup with a medal was an achievement for the squad. Steve did not say much when I was recalled, and I mean that as a positive.

“He told me what I could contribute, which was not too complicated, and told me to get stuck in. The best coaches will give you simple messages. It was easy to get my head down and fulfil my role.”