As Steve Borthwick gets set to hand a Test debut to Benhard Janse van Rensburg this summer, Henry Slade served up yet another reminder he must not be forgotten just yet.
Borthwick’s decision to select South African-born and now England-qualified Van Rensburg has proved controversial, some questioning if it was needed given the raft of talented midfielders already available to him. Slade might be 33, but far from showing any signs of slowing down, he is playing the rugby of his life after leading a revival of his home club Exeter.
Slade’s display in the win over Saracens, which sealed Rob Baxter’s side a PREM Rugby play-off with Bath, was simply stunning and one which showed his undoubted international class.
He must remain a part of the England set-up through to next year’s World Cup and on the evidence of his latest performance, he should certainly be part of the national team’s matchday squad for their Nations Championship campaign. On form grounds, he should also be pushing hard to regain the starting white No 13 shirt.
Slade’s England status since Borthwick took charge has been curious. He is on an enhanced elite player squad contract, suggesting Borthwick sees him as an important figure.
Yet he was the headline omission from the coach’s squad for the 2023 World Cup and has been a bit-part figure since.
Henry Slade was in imperious form for Exeter against Saracens in the PREM on Saturday
Slade’s best position is outside centre but he not featured for England since November
He didn’t play a minute during this year’s disastrous Six Nations campaign, the last of his 74 caps coming against Argentina last November.
It seems clear Borthwick wants to play Northampton’s Tommy Freeman in Slade’s best position of outside centre, while Van Rensburg is now in the midfield mix alongside Fraser Dingwall and Seb Atkinson. Bath’s Max Ojomoh bizarrely remains ostracised too.
‘If I was picking an England team, I’d have Henry in there,’ said Exeter attack coach Dave Walder after the 32-12 downing of Saracens. ‘I know what he’s capable of.
‘He’s doing everything you would expect of a player who’s not being picked by playing well week-in, week-out on both sides of the ball. I’m sure he’s in their thoughts.
‘He just gives us a bit of calmness. He’s playing very well and is in a good space.’
Slade’s 17-point Saracens haul showed he still possesses all the attributes of an international midfielder. He is a big-game player. He scored a try, demonstrated he still has the pace needed to make an outside break, and defended wonderfully to deny Rotimi Segun a try.
His kicking both from the tee and out of hand is sublime, making him this season’s PREM top points scorer. He is an odd absentee from the PREM’s player-of-the-season shortlist, with that award to be confirmed this week. Slade’s form could also still be enough to guide Exeter to a shock title win. Their play-off spot is remarkable given they finished second bottom last season. The Chiefs will fancy their chances against Bath in Saturday’s second semi-final at The Rec. On Friday night, Northampton will host Leicester in the first knock-out clash.
Whatever happens, once the regular season is done and dusted, Slade should be a central cog for England this summer. Some might argue that given his advancing years, recalling Slade now would be a retrograde step when it comes to England’s long-term planning for the future. But, equally, his performances this season have made him impossible to ignore.
Slade has also re-signed to stay with Exeter. There is plenty of life in the old dog yet.
The bottom line is this: Slade has not just knocked on Borthwick’s door, he has taken it off its hinges. He is far too good to spend another summer holding tackle bags in training.