George Furbank stakes England claim with try for Northampton
Performance against Saracens in Prem Rugby Cup suggests full-back is fit and ready to start in Rome after so much injury trouble
Northampton Saints 35 Saracens 33
George Furbank staked his claim for an England recall after scoring and creating a try for Northampton Saints against Saracens.
Furbank is in prime position to play full-back against Italy after being released back to his club to get valuable game time after an injury-hit run that stretches back to last season.
Northampton secured a last-gasp win against Saracens in the Prem Rugby Cup and progressed to the semi-finals thanks to George Hendy.
Hendy, who replaced Furbank at full-back, stole the show at the very death, scoring after a dazzling run that began in his own half. James Pater, 18, held his nerve with the conversion to snatch victory from the hands of Saracens.
However, it was the performance of Furbank that was most consequential on the weekend of the Six Nations fallow week.
Furbank had won the England 15 shirt from Freddie Steward and was in contention to make the British and Irish Lions squad before a costly injury setback last season. He has not played for England since November 2024.
Furbank has also struggled to stay fit this campaign, prompting his release back to Northampton to get some minutes under his belt.
The 29-year-old’s ability to be a second playmaker from full-back and step in at fly-half have added a dimension to England’s attack in the past.
England head coach Steve Borthwick could yet persist with Steward, who has struggled this Six Nations and was hooked before half-time in the loss to Ireland, or look to Marcus Smith or Elliot Daly as alternatives to Furbank.
Theo Dan, who was also released from England, was amongst the scorers for Saracens.
Elsewhere, Harlequins back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South enhanced his chances of facing the Azzurri after scoring a try against Newcastle Red Bulls as the home side triumphed 35-14 at the Stoop.
Borthwick name-checked Cunningham-South’s training levels this week and he could be recalled to add some ball-carrying dynamism.
He has not featured for England since the autumn but the 22-year-old’s ability to cover No 8, flanker and second row make him an ideal bench option.
Fellow England squad member Cadan Murley scored for Quins, showing off his pace to score from halfway.
Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson was also given a chance to prove his form. It was a winner-takes-all scenario to reach the semi-finals but Bath had too much for Gloucester
Highly-rated hooker Kepu Tuipulotu and Max Ojomoh, who was playing fly-half, were amongst the scorers as the hosts won 38-26 at the Rec.
Bristol Bears fell to Sale Sharks in a 36-41 thriller with Joe Bedlow scoring at the death to secure victory for his side.
The semi-final line-up for the Prem Rugby Cup next weekend will be Exeter Chiefs v Northampton and Leicester Tigers v Bath.
[Source: Daily Telegraph]
