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Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has backed Greg Fisilau to pick up his club form England after the Plymouth-born back rower was named as Sunday’s replacement Nations Championship clash with the Wallabies at Twickenham.
Former England Under-20 international Fisilau, 23, who has played four ‘A’ games for the Red Rose, gets his first chance at the senior squad since Sala Sharks Star Tom Curry was hit in practice earlier this week.
Fisilau started his career with Wasps before returning back to the southwest when it is Coventry the team suffered financial collapse and he had a loan spell at Birmingham Moseley Rugby, ironically making his debut against home club Plymouth Albion at Brickfields.
Son of ex Tonga center Kenny Fisilau, who has enjoyed a long career at Albion, is one of the three Bosses players included with Henry Slade starting at outside center and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing, while Ethan Roots was named in the England side for their clash with Argentina at The Rec.
Baxter says the quartet’s involvement proves to any youngster thinking of joining the club, or one already there, that Sandy Park is a place where they can nurture international ambitions.
“I’m pretty sure at whatever level you pick him, you’re going to see a very similar level of performance from Greg. His strength is just going outside and being involved in a big numbers game, getting in and getting around the ball.
“It kind of keeps that real level of enthusiasm that if you play well, train well, show consistency in performances, the rewards are there and they’re very tangible. That’s great for individual players to see.
“But it’s great for the other players at this club to see you coming, coming to Exeter, playing well, playing in good games. The rewards are there if international rugby is your ambition.”
“So all in all, it’s very important for us to see how the players at the club are doing, especially the young players,” Baxter said.