Tom Willis: England’s New Powerhouse at No 8
Tom Willis is ready to add a powerful new element to England’s game as he prepares for his first Test start against France.
The 26-year-old Saracens No 8 has impressed all season at club level, earning his spot in Steve Borthwick’s starting lineup.
Known for his formidable carrying ability, Willis has been compared to South Africa’s legendary No 8, Duane Vermeulen, who is famously nicknamed “Thor.”
A Much-Needed Boost for England
England has long relied on players like Manu Tuilagi and Billy Vunipola for their aggressive, gainline-busting runs, but with both players now retired from international duty, the team has lacked that physical presence in the forward pack.
Enter Tom Willis, whose impressive performances this season have shown he’s the ideal candidate to fill that gap.
He brings the power and momentum England needs to take the fight to the French.
While his brother Jack is playing at Toulouse, Tom’s inclusion for the crunch match against France makes perfect sense.
With Ben Earl failing to make a consistent impact in the No 8 role for the past 18 months, Borthwick has chosen a specialist to bring balance to the back row.
Former England No 8 Nick Easter, now coaching in the USA, fully supports this move, calling Willis’s inclusion a vital step toward a more dynamic forward setup for England.
Willis Brings Physicality and Toughness
Nick Easter believes Willis’s hard-carrying style is exactly what England needs after their narrow defeat in Dublin last weekend.
Despite losing 27-22, England’s late resurgence was driven by the momentum created by players like Ollie Chessum and Ollie Lawrence.
Willis is expected to carry that energy from the start, with Easter praising his ability to beat defenders and create space for teammates.
Easter draws a comparison between Willis and Vermeulen, describing him as a tough, resilient player who thrives in tight, physical situations.
“He’s not about glamour or running wide; he’s the guy who’ll dig in and make the hard yards when it matters most,” Easter says.
Willis’s background in French rugby, including a season at Bordeaux, will also give him an added edge in understanding the tough, combative nature of the French game.
A Test Against One of the World’s Best
France, of course, will bring their own powerhouse No 8 to Twickenham in the form of Gregory Alldritt.
Alldritt has been a key figure for France for years, combining his physicality with intelligent play around the breakdown.
Willis is similarly built, standing the same height as Alldritt and just five kilos heavier, and Easter notes that both players excel in similar areas—attacking the channels around the ruck and breaking through tough tackles.
Easter also highlights how Alldritt’s ability to stay on his feet through contact makes him a nightmare for defenders.
This is a quality Willis shares, making it clear that he has the tools to stand up to one of the world’s best No 8s.
Willis: England’s No 8 for the Future
With Alex Dombrandt failing to secure a consistent starting role and Zach Mercer struggling to fit into Borthwick’s plans, Willis has emerged as the clear choice for England’s No 8.
He has earned this chance to lead from the front, and if he can deliver the kind of performances that match his billing—drawing comparisons to the mighty Alldritt and even “Thor” himself—Willis could well cement his place in England’s forward pack for the foreseeable future.
In the end, England needs a player who can bring the thunder in collisions, drive them forward, and offer the physicality that has sometimes been missing.
Tom Willis is ready to rise to the occasion.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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