This weekend will see two of England’s top contenders in Will Fraser and Jack Clifford for the number seven shirt fight it out to see who has what it takes to perform on the international stage in the Six Nations, as Eddie Jones names his side on Wednesday.
Round nine sees undefeated Saracens travel to the Stoop to play third-placed Harlequins in front of a sellout crowd.
There will be some huge match-ups all around the field, but one of the biggest decisions for new boss Jones is who will be his openside flanker against Scotland, and as such Fraser vs Clifford will go a long way to deciding that.
Fraser is more of a traditional seven, who is a great poacher of the ball and a nuisance at the breakdown, whereas Clifford has a better carrying ability and has the versatility to play all across the backrow, whereas Fraser is an out and out seven.
The openside flanker Fraser is a man who’s career has been badly interrupted by injuries and as such, he has had to wait a long time before he can possibly put on the white jersey.
He was out for the majority of last season with a back injury, but prior to that, we saw glimpses of a man who could be a real threat to Robshaw’s position as the incumbent seven.
Clifford, on the other hand, has taken a very different route, as he was captain of the England Under 20s team three years ago and has progressed through the ranks whilst still young and he is now a regular sight in the Quins.
Saturday will see an interesting battle, but will it be conclusive who is the best, or will neither perform and Kvesic take the shirt? We will have to see on Saturday.
