‘Travesty if Borthwick doesn’t pick him’- England fans are only saying one thing
There is possibly no better time to put in a man of the match performance than a week after your country’s dismal performance in the Six Nations. On top of that, against one of the players that played in the Six Nations as well.
But that is exactly what uncapped England flanker Tom Pearson did at the weekend for London Irish against Northampton Saints, up against Lewis Ludlam. Now Ludlam actually had a very good Six Nations, but he was still part of that back row that were at best anonymous against France and were at worst completely bullied. In the head to head battle at the GTech Community Stadium on Saturday evening, it was Pearson who very clearly came out on top.
It was a performance where he topped almost every stat going for his side in the forwards, as the Exiles came away 37-22 winners. Metres made, carries, passes, offloads, defenders beaten, clean breaks- it is barely any surprise that the 23-year-old was named man of the match, although Ben Loader did run him close.
As impressive as his stats were, it was his first half try that will live long in the memory of London Irish fans as Saints tacklers all queued up to try and stop the England hopeful, with every one failing miserably.
Pearson has spearheaded London Irish’s resurgence this season, as they moved into the top four having been at the foot of the table just weeks ago. Now the calls are being made for Steve Borthwick to give him his chance before the World Cup. England have four matches prior to the World Cup (Wales twice, Ireland and Fiji), and based on their Six Nations showing still are in no way the finished article. Based on what they have seen over the last couple of seasons, and especially in recent weeks, England fans are convinced Pearson has what it takes to make the grade at Test rugby.
The flanker has already been involved in England training camps, as Eddie Jones was an admirer of him, but plenty of fans on social media are demanding Borthwick now goes a step further and caps him.
Take a look at Pearson’s try and what has been said on social media:
Get him in an England shirt please 💥 https://t.co/DdN2GmGOUl
— James Froud (@Froudy13) March 25, 2023
England need his dynamism and pace. He has all Willis’ attributes with better hands and more pace
— Ian Griffin 🇺🇦 🏴🌹 (@IanGriffin63) March 25, 2023
Absolutely beast should be in the England team
— Sam Johnson (@1325samjohnson) March 25, 2023
He’s a terrific player who will surely be involved with England’s WC preparations but that is woefully bad defending.
— Steve Harris (@SteveHa12771218) March 26, 2023
Tom Pearson surely has to be included in RWC squad. Can do it all #LIRvNOR #GallagherPrem #RWC2023
— Bob Depledge (@RJDhowzat) March 25, 2023
There’s knocking the door down and there’s smashing the door down. Tom Pearson is doing the latter. There’s a long pecking order at flanker for England. He’s better than most ahead of him.
— Ben Brookes (@SameOldBrookesy) March 25, 2023
More proof that Tom Pearson is a physical unit and should be playing for @EnglandRugby #LIRvNOR
— Gin not Sling (@Gin_Not_Sling) March 25, 2023
Obviously don’t want them to do anything good but it would be a travesty if Borthwick doesn’t take Tom Pearson to the World Cup.
— Dan (@Dan23_92) March 25, 2023
Tom Pearson will go to the World Cup. #LIRvNOR
— Serenity Seeker 🍒⚪️ (@ianperkins69) March 25, 2023
