mens
top-14
Jack Willis may be sidelined with a leg injury, but his brother Tom has ensured the Willis family continue to wreak havoc in the Top 14.
The 27-year-old continued his incredible start to his second life at Bordeaux-Begles with a decisive role in his side’s 23-22 victory over ASM Clermont-Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.
Tom made a game-leading 18 career tackles in the win and came close to scoring a try off the back of a driving maul, only to have teammate Maxime Lucu grab the ball in the process of grounding it. Had the try been awarded to Tom, it would have taken him joint top of the Top 14 try-scoring charts, level with Pau’s Rodrigo Marta with six in the first six rounds.
On top of his carrying, the first Saracens The No.8 made four turnovers, including a steal at the breakdown of his own 22 at the death to give his side victory.
Such a performance brought the victory of eight England international place in both Midi Olympique’s and The Team’s team of the week selections.
Tom’s form in the first round of the French season ensured there was no let up in Willis’ dominance of the league despite his brother’s reigning Top 14 Player of the Year Jack, who has been out since the second round with a thigh injury.
Jack accidentally picked up an injury against Bordeaux-Begles, although he barely shared time on the pitch with his brother as Toulouse star left the field just over 10 minutes after Tom came on as a substitute.
Tom will play a vital role in Bordeaux’s bid for a third straight win Investec Champions Cup title this season. Their campaign starts against Gloucester on Friday at Kingsholm, where England fans will get a first-hand insight into how the ineligible star is settling in at his new club.
