Why England must pick powerhouse Tom Willis at No 8 and let him loose in Dublin, writes CHRIS FOY
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It is now standing room only on this bandwagon, but it's time to jump aboard anyway. Tom Willis is the bona fide No 8 blaster who England are crying out for. Steve Borthwick must pick him for the Six Nations. Ignoring one exiled brother is bad enough, but there is no need to overlook the other too. Jack Willis keeps playing the house down for mighty Toulouse but, due to the RFU's policy against the selection of players based abroad, for national service, he remains off-limits. Tom is in the country and tearing up trees for Saracens. He can give England the carrying clout and raw edge that has been sorely missing.
![[The Saracens star's performance against Bristol at StoneX Stadium was breathtaking to behold]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/17/93758173-14252259-image-a-19_1736099909684.jpg)
His performance against Bristol at StoneX Stadium on Saturday night was breathtaking to behold. It was a man at the peak of his powers, showcasing a remarkable repertoire. For those who missed the masterclass, here are the primary highlights. The first of Willis' two tries, early in the first half, was all about power and persistence, as he seized the ball, hurdled a ruck and surged through three defenders to touch down from close range.
![[England boss Borthwick must pick him for the Six Nations as he will give his side carrying clout]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/17/93758175-14252259-image-a-20_1736099940513.jpg)
Just before half-time, he scored his second and it was world-class. Saracens should frame images of the whole coast-coast sequence and hang them in a museum. Maro Itoje claimed an interception, stormed out of his 22 and made further ground on the left after delivering a sumptuous dummy. Slick handling allowed the home side to switch the attack towards the other flank and Willis did the rest.
![[Willis is a tough, aggressive, abrasive character with the hint of a nasty streak in him]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/18/93758205-14252259-image-a-21_1736100129929.jpg)
