Tom Willis steps up to dominate Top 14 in Jack's absence

Jack Willis may remain sidelined with a leg injury, but his brother, Tom, has ensured that the Willis family continues to wreak havoc on the Top 14.

The 27-year-old continued his barnstorming start to his second life at Bordeaux-Begles with a decisive role in his side’s 23-22 victory over ASM Clermont-Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.

Tom made a match-leading 18 carries in the victory, and came close to scoring a try off the back of a driving maul, only for team-mate Maxime Lucu to take hold of the ball in the process of grounding it. Had the try been awarded to Tom, it would have lifted him to joint top of the try-scoring charts in the Top 14, level with Pau’s Rodrigo Marta with six in the opening six rounds.

On top of his carrying, the former Saracens No.8 produced four turnovers, including a breakdown steal in his own 22 at the death to deliver his side the victory.

Such a performance earned the eight-cap England international a place in both Midi Olympique’s and L’Equipe’s team of the week selections.

Fixture

Investec Champions Cup

Gloucester

12:00

16 Oct 26

Bordeaux

All Stats and Data

Tom’s form in the opening rounds of the French season has ensured there has been no let-up in the Willis domination of the league despite his brother, reigning Top 14 Player of the Year Jack, being absent since round two with a thigh injury.

Jack coincidentally sustained the injury against Bordeaux-Begles, though he shared barely any time on the pitch with his brother as the Toulouse star left the field just over 10 minutes after Tom had come on as a substitute.

Tom will play a vital role in Bordeaux’s attempt to win a third straight Investec Champions Cup title this season. Their campaign gets underway against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday, where England fans will get a first-hand glimpse of how the ineligible star is faring with his new club.