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"England's Lomu" – Steve Borthwick told to recall 6ft 4in, 113kg powerhouse winger
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Steve Borthwick has been urged to recall Joe Cokanasiga after the giant Bath winger scored twice against Sale Sharks on Saturday.

The 6ft 4in, 113kg powerhouse was once compared to All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu. And against Sale, it wasn't difficult to see why.

Cokanasiga crossed twice in Bath's 36-28 victory, including a superb finish from a Finn Russell cross-field kick.

The 28-year-old hasn't played for England since 2023, but his latest display has put him back in the conversation.

With Australia arriving at Twickenham next weekend, Borthwick has plenty to think about.

Here are five Gallagher PREM players we believe deserve a call-up.

Five players Steve Borthwick should call up

1. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby)

Remember when Cokanasiga was being talked about as England's answer to Jonah Lomu? It might have been a bit ambitious, but you could see why.

The Bath winger has the size of a forward and the finishing ability of a natural try-scorer. When he's in full flight, stopping him is a miserable job.

He reminded everyone of that against Sale on Saturday, scoring twice as Bath ended their three-match losing run.

His second try was particularly impressive. Cokanasiga climbed above the defence to collect Russell's cross-field kick before beating a defender and stretching over.

It's the sort of finish that made him such an exciting England prospect in the first place.

Injuries haven't helped his international career, but few English wingers offer his combination of size and pace.

There's another interesting factor. Born in Fiji, Cokanasiga has now passed the three-year period required to apply for an international transfer under World Rugby's eligibility rules.

Any switch would need approval, and there is no suggestion he's planning one.

Still, imagine England spending years trying to unlock his potential, only to find him charging towards them in a Fiji shirt.

That would sting.

2. Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks)

England have an interesting decision to make at hooker, and Nathan Jibulu is doing his best to make it even harder.

The Sale youngster has already picked up two Player of the Match awards this season. He added another try against Bath on Saturday, powering over from a driving maul.

Jamie George remains England's first choice, but he won't be around forever. Borthwick needs to start thinking seriously about what comes next.

Kepu Tuipulotu has already been given his opportunity, although the Bath hooker is now dealing with a fitness concern.

Jibulu brings plenty of energy, physicality and a willingness to get stuck into the ugly stuff.

At some point, you have to wonder what more he needs to do.

3. George Hendy (Northampton Saints)

George Hendy seems to produce something special every time Northampton need a spark.

He was at it again against Gloucester, scoring an important try as Saints recovered from 14-0 down to win 28-14.

Hendy has genuine pace, excellent footwork and the confidence to attack defenders. He's also comfortable playing across the back three.

That versatility could be useful for England, particularly with injuries beginning to pile up.

Alex Mitchell lasted just 20 minutes against Gloucester before leaving with another suspected hamstring problem.

As The Guardian reported, it's another headache Borthwick could have done without.

Hendy wouldn't replace Mitchell directly, of course. But England's injury problems could open the door for fresh faces.

And Hendy has done enough to deserve a look.

4. Fitz Harding (Bristol Bears)

Not every England player needs to be a headline-maker. Sometimes you just need someone who gets through an enormous amount of work.

That's Fitz Harding.

The Bristol captain has been one of the PREM's most reliable performers, even when results haven't gone his side's way.

He tackles, carries, competes at the breakdown and rarely seems to have a quiet afternoon.

Harding also brings leadership, which shouldn't be overlooked in a young England squad.

With Chandler Cunningham-South unavailable through injury, Borthwick could do worse than look towards Ashton Gate.

Harding might not sell many shirts, but he'd certainly earn his.

5. George Barton (Gloucester Rugby)

George Barton must be wondering what else he needs to do to get Steve Borthwick's attention.

The Gloucester full-back has been outstanding this season, combining sharp attacking play with an increasingly reliable kicking game.

Last weekend, he scored 13 points and collected Player of the Match as Gloucester stunned Bath 23-5 at Kingsholm.

He also produced a crucial turnover while his side were down to 13 men.

And this wasn't some one-off performance. Barton has been delivering consistently throughout the opening rounds.

The 25-year-old can also play fly-half, giving England another option in two important positions.

Freddie Steward and George Furbank are already established internationals, but competition should be encouraged.

Barton has earned the right to show what he can do.

RUCK verdict: Time to reward PREM form

If I were Steve Borthwick, Cokanasiga would be getting a phone call.

England have plenty of talented wingers, but very few can offer his sheer physical presence. A 113kg winger running at tired defenders isn't something most teams fancy dealing with.

Jibulu and Hendy have also made strong cases, while Harding offers the sort of reliability every international squad needs.

And Barton? He's probably the most unfortunate of the lot.

Borthwick doesn't need to throw his plans out of the window. But there's little point asking players to perform in the PREM if outstanding form doesn't at least earn them a look.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup getting closer, now seems as good a time as any.

Select your England XV

Think you could do a better job than Steve Borthwick?

Now it's your turn to pick the team.

With injuries mounting and several Gallagher PREM stars pushing for a call-up, who would make your starting XV against Australia?

Use RUCK's interactive England XV selector below to pick your team, compare your choices with other fans and see who makes the most popular starting line-up.

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