Steve Borthwick labels Immanuel Feyi-Waboso an 'incredible talent' after handing winger first England start v Ireland
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Published 07/03/2024 at 17:58 GMT
England coach Steve Borthwick said Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's talent and maturity had earned him a first international start for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland. The Exeter winger is one of three changes made by Borthwick with Danny Care set to win his 100th cap from the bench. Hugo Keenan returns for Ireland, who could seal the Championship at Twickenham with a game to spare.
England player Immanuel Feyi-Waboso runs in to score the second England try during the Guinness Six Nations 2024 match between Scotland and England at BT Murrayfield Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Image credit: Getty Images
England coach Steve Borthwick described Immanuel Feyi-Waboso as an "incredible talent" after handing the winger his first international start for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland.
The Welsh-born winger scored a try after coming off the bench in a 30-21 defeat by Scotland last month that brought a bright start to the championship for Borthwick's men to an abrupt end.
Feyi-Waboso replaces Elliot Daly to cap a meteoric rise for the 21-year-old who has shone for Exeter this season. He has been included by Borthwick despite missing a training camp last month to sit a medical exam.
"We've seen him progress brilliantly and he has earned this opportunity," said Borthwick. "Manny came onto the field two weeks ago and had an incredible impact. He is a player who wants the ball. He's ready, he's more than ready.
"He's an incredible talent, but the maturity we've seen from Manny is something that's impressed me a lot."
Ireland are strong favourites to inflict more pain on England at Twickenham as they close in on back-to-back Grand Slams. Borthwick recognised his men are going up against one of the best teams in the world.
Feyi-Waboso's inclusion is one of three changes to the side that lost to Scotland as Alex Mitchell returns from injury at scrum-half, while George Martin replaces Ethan Roots.
"Ireland are without doubt currently one of the best teams in the world, and we’ll have to be at our very best against them on Saturday," said Borthwick. "We’ve prepared well for what will be another classic Six Nations game at Twickenham."
Mitchell's return means Danny Care drops to the bench, but the Harlequins back is set to earn his 100th Test cap as a replacement.
"I’d like to pay special tribute to Danny Care who will win his 100th cap at Twickenham on Saturday," added Borthwick. "Danny has been a tremendous servant to English rugby and reaching this milestone is an incredible achievement.
"He’s a wonderful player and someone who always puts the team first. I’m sure Saturday will be an emotional and memorable day for Danny and his family, and the team couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishment."
Care's club team-mate Marcus Smith returns from injury but starts on the bench as George Ford retains his place.
Ireland make one change for the trip to London as they aim for a 21st win in their last 22 matches.
Hugo Keenan returns at full-back in place of Ciaran Frawley from the side who beat Wales 31-7 last time out.
"He's a world-class full-back," said Ireland coach Andy Farrell of Keenan's return. "I think it would be a boost for any side in world rugby.
"It's testament to him and it's no shock to us that he's been able to get himself back to this position to be involved this weekend as he's been unbelievably diligent over the last few weeks to make that happen."
Ireland could win the championship with a game to spare on Saturday after bonus-point wins over France, Italy and Wales.
England sit third in the table on eight points having narrowly beaten Italy and Wales prior to defeat at Murrayfield.
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