Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing 16st 7lb, Guy Pepper’s all-action style has already drawn comparisons from Johann van Graan to one of rugby’s all-time great flankers.
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With his ash-brown hair and dynamic presence, Pepper reminds Johann of a similarly built legend who, at 6ft 3in and 16st 11lb, dominated the sport with his relentless play and skill.
“I said it when I signed him that I saw something in him, [Richie] McCaw-like, something that is different to others,” explained Van Graan after the Leicester victory on Sunday.
“He has an engine, he can go for 80 minutes – he showed that again [on Sunday evening]. He was very good.
“He came on last week and he was phenomenal. Then, I watched him [on Sunday night], 80 minutes, and I think at one stage he had three ‘poach’ turnovers in a row. He got injured at the back-end of the game, took a big knock.
“It was not even a discussion [from Pepper’s perspective] as to whether he was coming off. He was always staying on.”
“Pass the Torch” – 5 Uncapped England Hopefuls who impressed in Round 2 of the Premiership
Honourable Mention: Will Butt (Bath Rugby)
Narrowly missing out on our top five, but well worth a mention is Bath’s versatile midfielder Will Butt. The 24-year-old has had to bide his time to shine in blue, black and white, and made good on his opportunity in the win over Leicester Tigers.
Ruck’s Bath Rugby Reporter Sam Jess said: “Having had limited game time over the past few years, injuries at Bath mean Will Butt has started the season alongside Ollie Lawrence, and he is making the most of his time in his preferred position. Another brilliant defensive performance and attacking display with two major line breaks, one of which led to Will Muir’s try, helping Bath on their way to victory.”
1. Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby)
One of the fastest righting prop prospects on the England radar, Afolabi Fasogbon continued to impress in his most recent outing in Cherry and White. The tight-head held his own in the scrum time battle with the experienced Test match loose-head Ellis Genge, and certainly earned the respect of the ‘Baby Rhino’. In a clip that has since gone viral on social media, Genge and Fasogbon shared a brief show of respect after the game, much to the delight of the England fans.
Ben Kay LOVED the battle between Ellis Genge and 20 year-old Afolabi Fasogbon
#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/OKd9tUrXT6
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) September 29, 2024
Ruck West Country Rugby reporter Ben Thorne said: “The 20-year-old prop was superb when he came on at half time, holding his own against the first choice England loose-head, Ellis Genge. Fasogbon won a crucial penalty in the Gloucester 22 against the Bristolian opposite him and carried well, busting a tackle in the last five minutes to get his side onto the front foot.”
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