Rugby Pass Podcast: A Surprising Prediction

However, I do think they are very vulnerable to nerves. They allowed England to throw them. And Scotland in that first half. They don’t respond well when things aren’t going their way. They can look very average under pressure. I wonder how they would have looked in the second half had that Scotland try stood. The try being disallowed seemed to be the let off they needed for momentum to shift.

I also feel they may be vulnerable in certain positions. At least Lucu, for example, has stepped up in DuPont’s absence. Although he had a much better game last week. I feel like they may struggle if missing key players in quite a few positions. Particularly in the backline. They’ve shown some good depth in their packs with the 7-1 splits.

On that note - I am looking forward to seeing who else they have when they tour NZ with what will be their B-Team/squad. If they’re going to lose the opportunity to galvanize their first choice team, and in form players, then the opportunity to give others a chance in the cauldron of New Zealand must be maximized for all it’s worth. And will give us a much clearer picture of how great a threat they will be in 2027.

Realistically Willis is one of the best backrowers in the world but with so many excellent 7s to choose from he's not “needed” per se.