Trying to explain to the French rugby public why Jack Willis has been left out of both of England’s match-day squads to date at the World Cup is easier said than done. The openside flanker has proved
a revelation since his move to Toulouse last November, helping the club to the Top 14 title. French fans see Toulouse players make up the bulk of Les Bleus’ side and cannot help but wonder why Willis cannot get into a decidedly inferior England side.
They do not have to wait much longer – Willis is set for his first England appearance against Chile on Saturday – but so far it has been a bit like if Erling Haaland could not make the cut for Norway. Manchester City supporters, you sense, would not find that easy to fathom.
It has been suggested that Willis did himself no favours with his showing against Fiji – not that many of his teammates did – but it cannot have been easy as the “local” in the England squad, having to sit on the sidelines.
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Denne historien er fra September 21, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
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