Despite all the hype surrounding Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, his name has only truly popped up in the past few months – prior to the recent World Cup he was a relative unknown. With just 26 games as a professional under his belt, the young man is set to make his first-ever international start.
Playing for Taunton in National One just under two years ago, Feyi-Waboso has elevated himself to become one of the most exciting players in the country since. His blistering start to Exeter Chiefs season has caught the attention of England coach Steve Borthwick who is set to entrust the 21-year-old with his fourth cap this weekend.
His international career could well have headed in a different direction if it wasn’t for his studying of Medicine in Exeter University. Born in Cardiff, the winger was expected by many to play for Wales, but it was made clear that England would be the destination.
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Harlequins duo Danny Care and Marcus Smith are set to make their entrances from the bench, with Care achieving what will be his 100th test cap.
“As always, we’ve selected what we think is our strongest 23 to leave us best placed to win the game,” said Borthwick.
“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.
“We’ve prepared well for what will be another classic Six Nations game at Twickenham.
“I’d like to pay special tribute to Danny Care who will win his 100th cap at Twickenham on Saturday. 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.”
Line Up
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 60 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 22 caps)
11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 94 caps) – vice captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 60 caps) – vice captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 88 caps) – captain
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 110 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 79 caps) – vice captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 28 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 10 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 91 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 36 caps)
19. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 3 caps)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 99 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 67 caps)
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