England hope winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will add some much-needed power to their attack against Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday when he makes his first Test start at Twickenham.
England have scored six tries so far in this year’s Championship, nine fewer than Ireland who are aiming to become the first side in the Six Nations era to win back-to-back Grand Slams.
Feyi-Waboso came off the bench to score in the 30-21 defeat against Scotland in Edinburgh last month, and coach Steve Borthwick is confident the 21-year-old can continue that form in his first start.
“So far in this Six Nations he’s progressed brilliantly, and he’s earnt this selection,” Borthwick said.
“I think the blend of players is important. Manny came on the field two weeks ago and had an incredible impact. He’s a player who wants the ball, wants to carry the ball and get the team over the gain line.
“When young guys come in and have an impact on a team, it’s very, very impressive.”
Captain Jamie George has been equally as impressed with the young Exeter Chiefs winger.
“He’s ready — he’s more than ready. You’ve seen that in the time he’s had on the field so far in the Six Nations,” George said.
“He’s an incredible talent, but the maturity we’ve seen from Manny is something that’s impressed me a lot.
“His willingness to learn, he’s eager, you’re constantly having to pull him back. He’s so excited for this opportunity, you can see that, and that energy is infectious throughout the team.”
Feyi-Waboso made his debut in the 27-24 win over Italy in February after he opted to represent England having also been eligible for Wales.
He was born and raised in Cardiff but qualifies for England through his grandmother.
While Feyi-Waboso replaces Elliot Daly on the wing, scrum-half Alex Mitchell returns to the side after missing the Scotland game with an injury. He comes in for Danny Care, who will earn his 100th England cap from the bench.
In another boost for England’s attacking potential, fly-half Marcus Smith has been named on the bench for his first game of the tournament after recovering from a calf injury.
While everyone in the squad was available, Borthwick opted for continuity in his selection with few changes from the side that faced Scotland.
“I think continuity in selection is one very important factor. And as we build this team as we go forward it is an important factor for consideration,” Borthwick said.
“We know in the Scotland game there were errors. It’s the first time in a while I’d seen the weight of the shirt feel heavy on the players.
“We made some errors and as we made the errors we started playing in a different way. I made a couple of changes to the team but I believe in these players, I think these players are determined to put in a performance this weekend.”