Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'If Eddie Jones doesn't select him then he has some serious problems because Jack could make the Lions'

(Photo by Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images)

Springbok Nizaam Carr knows all about breaking Bristol Bears hearts and is backing his former Wasps teammates to win Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final at the Ricoh Arena and then lift the league title.

ADVERTISEMENT

Carr scored the match-winning final minute try to give Wasps a 26-21 win over Bristol at Ashton Gate in December,  a victory that provided the club with a much-needed boost which they have since turned into a surge into the play-offs. 

Now with the Bulls in Pretoria having returned to South Africa, Carr is in daily contact with Jack Willis, his fellow back row forward. He is tipping him to not only win a first England cap in the autumn but also make the British and Irish Lions squad for their three-Test series with the world champion Springboks next year.

Video Spacer

Here’s the debut episode of RugbyPod Offload, the new podcast featuring Dylan Hartley, Jamie Roberts, Simon Zebo and Ryan Wilson

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Here’s the debut episode of RugbyPod Offload, the new podcast featuring Dylan Hartley, Jamie Roberts, Simon Zebo and Ryan Wilson

      Carr told RugbyPass: “If I was the England coach I would build my team around Jack. I definitely believe Wasps can beat Bristol and then become champions and they would really deserve it.

      “If they don’t send a winner’s medal to me in South Africa I will jump on a plane and come over for it! Wasps have been winning with bonus points for all their tries and I’m really happy for them.

      “I had never scored a winning try other than at school level and that wasn’t as sweet at the one at Bristol. At the time we needed a win and it was really special to do that for the boys because it was a really tough game against Bristol and that is what you can expect in the play-off. 

      “They have some big-name superstars who really take the game to you and it took a moment at the end of the 80 minutes to find the space on the outside. I always remember that try and people will probably remember me for that score.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “The battle between Malakai Fekitoa and Semi Radradra of Bristol will be really important and they know each other from their time at Toulon. I learnt a lot from Malakai and he is a really humble guy and I’m taking what he has taught me into my game. Radradra has so many things he can deliver and is a key man, but having Malakai means there will be a real contest.”

      Carr is a big fan of Willis and believes his time has come to break into Test rugby. He had a special message for England boss Eddie Jones. “If Eddie Jones doesn’t select him then he has some serious problems because going forward Jack could make the Lions and South Africa would have to work hard to get him off the ball. 

      “His general play is very good and his understanding and eagerness to learn makes him so effective. Not many players have that at Jack’s age and he is a really world-class performer. It’s now just about getting that England call-up.”

      The former Springbok forward, who will be keeping a close eye on the semi-final, had a message for Wasps fans. “When I do a wave on the pitch for the Bulls I will be waving to the Wasps fans because I had a special time at the club and they are very dear to my heart.”

      ADVERTISEMENT

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

      New Zealand vs Australia: Behind the Scenes with the Black Ferns Sevens Team | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E06

      O2 Inside Line: This Rose | Episode 1

      Argentina v Australia | HSBC SVNS Perth 2025 | Men's Final Match Highlights

      New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Perth 2025 | Women's Final Match Highlights

      The Dupont Ploy: How France went from underdogs to Olympic gods | The Report

      Former rugby player is truly an NFL superstar | Walk the Talk | Jordan Mailata

      Boks Office | Episode 33 | Dupont's Toulouse Too Good

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      R
      RedWarrior 2 hours ago
      The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

      So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

      Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

      Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

      1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

      2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

      3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

      4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


      One last thing missing from English analysis

      How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


      Food for thought old boy!!!!

      30 Go to comments
      TRENDING
      TRENDING Four England talking points after latest damaging Six Nations loss Four England talking points after latest damaging Six Nations loss
      Search