Feyi-Waboso reminds England great Robinson of himself / Photo: Ben STANSALL - AFP
Feyi-Waboso reminds England great Robinson of himself
England Rugby World Cup-winner Jason Robinson believes Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's impressive skills are reminiscent of his own as the wing looks to provide the current side with a cutting edge in the Six Nations.
Red Rose assistant coach Kevin Sinfield, a rugby league star, was the first to say Feyi-Waboso had the same dynamic pace and power as cross-code convert Robinson.
And Robinson, who starred in England's 2003 World Cup-winning team, has backed Exeter flyer Feyi-Waboso -- in the starting side for the team's Championship opener against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday -- to build on a fine record of seven tries in 13 Tests.
"There are a few flyers in the England team but I do love Manny Feyi-Waboso. He's an exciting player and he reminds me a little bit of myself back in the day," Robinson said of the 23-year-old.
"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."
Robinson, has also been impressed by the impact made by 21-year-old back-row Henry Pollock, whose five England caps off the bench have already yielded three tries.
"Henry Pollock is outstanding at the moment. I've not seen for some time a forward who is as exciting as the backs," Robinson said.
"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 is among the replacements against Wales alongside Pollock, with the Harlequins fly-half also providing cover at full-back.
But former England full-back Robinson believes Smith is not a Test No 15.
"Versatility is sometimes really good and sometimes it actually goes against you. I'm sure Marcus would want to play 10 (fly-half)," he said. "It's a position that he's played all his career and it's a position that he probably feels most comfortable in.
"He's been playing full-back but as somebody who's played there for a few years, he's not a 15.
"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."
E.Marmano--LDdC
