The Exeter verdict on what Greg Fisilau can deliver for England

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has backed Greg Fisilau to pick up his club form for England after the Plymouth-born back-rower was named as a replacement for Sunday’s Nations Championship clash with the Wallabies at Twickenham.

Former England under-20 international Fisilau, 23, who has played four ‘A’ games for the Red Rose, gets his first chance for the senior set-up after Sale Sharks star Tom Curry picked up a knock in training earlier in the week.

Fisilau started his career with Wasps before moving back to the South West when the Coventry outfit suffered a financial meltdown, and he also had a loan spell at Birmingham Moseley Rugby, ironically making his debut against hometown club Plymouth Albion at Brickfields.

The son of former Tonga centre Kenni Fisilau, who enjoyed a long career with Albion, is one of three Chiefs players involved with Henry Slade starting at outside centre and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing, while Ethan Roots was named in the England side for their clash with Argentina at The Rec.

Baxter says that the quartet’s involvement proves to any youngster thinking of joining the club, or one already there, that Sandy Park is a place where they can nurture international ambitions.

“I’m pretty certain that whatever level you picked him at, you would see a very similar level of performance from Greg. His strength is just getting out there and being involved in the game with high numbers, getting in and around the ball.

“It kind of keeps that real enthusiasm level that if you play well, train well, show consistency in performances, the rewards are there and they’re very tangible. That’s great for individual players to see.

“But it’s great for other players at the club here to see as well that you come in, come to Exeter, perform well, play in good games. The rewards are there if your ambition is international rugby.

“So, all ways round, it’s a very important thing for us to see happen here with players at the club, especially young players,” said Baxter.