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'He reminds me of Shane Williams... they are very similar'

(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Newcastle boss Dave Walder believes Pumas wing Mateo Carreras has the same elusive skills that made Shane Williams the Welsh international try record scorer.

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Carreras has won just five caps for Argentina but has put himself in contention for the Pumas Autumn tests – they face England, Scotland and Wales – with his outstanding form for Newcastle Falcons that has brought him four tries and a Premiership high 18 defenders beaten this season.

Walder played in Japan with Williams who scored a record 58 tries in 87 tests despite his small stature – 5ft 7ins. Carreras is listed at 5ft 8ins and like the Welsh wing is less than 13st.

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Walder said: “He reminds me of Shane Williams and they are very similar. I played with Shane for a season in Japan and like Mateo, no matter how much you know about them you still underestimate how strong they are. They both have a very aggressive fend and an explosion off the mark- he accelerates out of the hand off. If he is a successful as Shane in his career he will be pretty happy.

“Mateo is a feisty little thing with brilliant feet and is very, very fast and as a winger that is a good package. In terms of international selection with Argentina, after the start he has made you would think he would be in contention for their Autumn tour. He is scoring tries for us and is also defensively very sound under the high ball.

“On the one hand I am hoping he gets called up by Argentina in the Autumn but on the other I am desperately hoping he doesn’t.

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“I can’t comment how Argentina are playing the game under Michael Cheika and they have Emiliano Boffelli who is the goal kicker which gets him the nod on one wing but hopefully Mateo will get is chance in the Autumn tests and the Rugby World Cup. Mateo respects everyone but fears no one which is a good attribute to have.

“Mateo came onto our radar almost by accident two years ago when we were offered Santiago Grondona and he came over with him. Santiago did his ACL and went home to do his rehab and Mateo stayed and it became pretty clear early on that the had something – real drive and is an aggressive little guy.”

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RedWarrior 16 minutes ago
Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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