With Borthwick favourite Mitchell now laid up, Saturday’s script was for the long lycra-sleeved Spencer to produce a show of force to suggest he would be a worthy of an England starter versus the All Blacks on November 2. Instead, the short-sleeved, socks around the ankles Randall – and Bristol – stole his thunder with a 36-26 win.
Injury and lack of form left the Bristol half-back surplus to requirement at international level, a predicament not helped by Steve Borthwick taking over as Test boss from Eddie Jones.
Canada has named a 35-man training squad for an August camp ahead of their Pacific Nations Cup campaign for 2024.
England have booked a date in Tokyo with their irrepressible former coach in Japan and fireworks are guaranteed
Eddie Jones' assistant coaches simply aren't up to the level required.
Australia were well and truly beaten in every facet that counts in their winless Rugby Championship campaign.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has left out veteran lock Rory Arnold from his 33-player squad and took a dig at the player for his decision to stay in Japan.
Alex Codling's two crazy years with runaway ProD2 leaders Oyonnax have featured weapons, mushrooms and the home of nougat.
Ben Spencer was the England go-to when an emergency arose for the World Cup final but he has been ignored this week despite his excellent Bath form.
While everyone is focused on the Rugby Championship, a raft of tier two nations will kick off their World Cup preparations in the Pacific Nations Cup this weekend.