Captain Fraser Dingwall has already experienced life at the highest level, making two appearances for the senior England team, and he is joined by fellow internationals, tighthead Joe Heyes and back rowers, Tom Pearson and Tom Willis in the XV. But the remainder of a largely youthful matchday squad is uncapped – for now.
“I do believe some of these guys are next in line. That shows you where the Under-20s have been recently and the potential we’ve got in this country that we do have 21, 22-year-olds that are the next in line,” said the Bath coach.
“I’m sure there’ll be a few of these boys in here that within 18 months they’ll have played international rugby that are playing at the weekend. So I do see it as a little bit closer than just maybe an Under-23s type team.”
One player destined for higher honours according to Blackett is Bath prop Vilikesa (Billy) Sela, who was originally named in the squad but had to withdraw because of injury.
“He’s been fantastic recently. He is a guy with loads of potential. There is a lot of good young props, they’ve played a lot of rugby, and I think in a couple of years’ time they will be reaching their peak.
“I have high expectations of Billy. He’s hungry and I think if he keeps working, he’ll have his day. I am sure we are going to see him play plenty of games for England.”
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