England rugby legend Jason Robinson has revealed he sees striking similarities between his own playing style and that of rising star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, as the young wing prepares to be a key weapon in England's Guinness Six Nations campaign.
Explosive Power and Finishing Instincts
The 2003 World Cup winner, renowned for his own blistering pace and game-changing ability, believes Feyi-Waboso possesses the same explosive attributes that made Robinson such a formidable cross-code threat throughout his illustrious career.
"There are a few flyers in the England team but I do love Manny Feyi-Waboso," Robinson stated. "He's an exciting player and he reminds me a little bit of myself back in the day. He's really quick, he's strong, he breaks the tackle and he builds momentum. He certainly can finish and score tries, so he's a key player."
Sinfield's Initial Comparison
The comparison was first made by England assistant coach and rugby league great Kevin Sinfield during the autumn internationals, who insisted Feyi-Waboso shares Robinson's trademark explosive power and speed. Robinson has now endorsed that view, highlighting the Exeter Chiefs wing's impressive try-scoring record of seven tries in just thirteen appearances for his country.
Expectation now grips stadiums whenever Feyi-Waboso receives possession, with fans anticipating his potential to break defensive lines and create scoring opportunities from anywhere on the pitch.
Another Electric Rookie Emerges
Robinson also identified another young talent capable of setting the Six Nations alight, praising the impact of 21-year-old forward Henry Pollock. All five of Pollock's international caps have been earned through dynamic, high-energy performances off the bench, a role he will continue in for Saturday's tournament opener against Wales at Twickenham.
"Henry Pollock is outstanding at the moment," Robinson observed. "I've not seen for some time a forward who is as exciting as the backs. He's young, very skilful, very strong, very quick and actually he doesn't really care. He's bit of a character and one of the greatest things is that he's delivering on the big stage."
Marcus Smith's Positional Debate
The conversation turned to another of England's creative talents, with Marcus Smith named on the bench for the Wales fixture. The Harlequins playmaker, known for his free-spirited attacking flair, will provide cover at both fly-half and full-back.
However, Robinson, who played full-back for England with distinction, expressed reservations about Smith's suitability for the number 15 jersey at Test level, despite Smith having played there regularly for his club.
"He's been playing full-back but as somebody who's played there for a few years, he's not a 15," Robinson explained. "There's a lot more to do in that 15 position that he wouldn't naturally cover, especially in defence. Defensively it's massive because you've got to work really well with your wingers."
Smith finds himself behind both George Ford and Fin Smith in the pecking order for the starting fly-half role, adding further intrigue to his best position within the England setup.
As the Six Nations begins, all eyes will be on whether Feyi-Waboso can justify Robinson's lofty comparison and provide the attacking spark England need to challenge for the Championship title.
