Immanuel Feyi-Waboso earns Jason Robinson comparison as England admit they need to help star Exeter wing more so he can deliver his best

2 hours ago 12

By ALEX BYWATER, RUGBY WRITER

Published: 18:00 GMT, 4 November 2025 | Updated: 18:00 GMT, 4 November 2025

England have admitted they need to get the ball more to their new Jason Robinson equivalent after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso suffered Australia frustration. 

Wing Feyi-Waboso produced a strong all-round display in the 25-7 win over the Wallabies, but he had just six touches of the ball at Twickenham which limited his attacking ability. 

When the Exeter livewire did get possession in space, he lit up a capacity crowd at the home of English rugby with a brilliant run, as Robinson did when he was a key part of the national side that won the 2003 World Cup. 

Feyi-Waboso has similar pace, power and creative ability. 

England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield said how to get the best out of Feyi-Waboso was a 'good challenge' for Steve Borthwick's national set-up. 

'He reminds me a lot of Jason and that is a fair similarity I know,' Sinfield said of the 22-year-old. 

England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (left) has earned comparisons with icon Jason Robinson

Feyi-Waboso pictured in England training on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's game with Fiji

'But I don't think I have come across anybody as powerful or as explosive over that first couple of metres. I haven't seen it. 

'Rob Burrow was very explosive, but he wouldn't have had the muscle mass Manny has. There aren't many players like that. 

'If we can get the ball in his hands more often, we will score more tries.' 

England chose not to name their team to face Fiji this weekend on Tuesday as they monitor injuries to key back-line figures Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck. 

Head coach Borthwick is set to announce on Thursday instead. 

Full-back Steward suffered a hand problem in the Australia win while wing Roebuck is nursing an ankle issue. 

It is likely that if Steward doesn't recover, England will select Marcus Smith at full-back. Henry Arundell could take Roebuck's wing spot if needed. 

Bath's Arundell is back in the England squad for the first time since he returned to PREM Rugby from a stint in France with Racing 92. 

England have back-line fitness doubts over Tom Roebuck (pictured) and Freddie Steward

If Steward doesn't recover from a hand problem, Marcus Smith is likely to start at full-back

Arundell last played for England at the 2023 World Cup. 

Daily Mail Sport columnist and England's 2003 World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has argued that even if Roebuck and Steward aren't fit for Fiji, England must keep Tommy Freeman at outside centre. 

Freeman, normally a wing, started at No 13 against Australia. 

He could yet return to a wide berth this weekend, but that depends on Roebuck's availability. 

'I have watched some highlights of him (Robinson) and it is crazy. Anything that compares me to him is massive,' Feyi-Waboso said. 

'I'd love to be half the player he was with his pace and power. I would love to resemble any aspect of his game I can as he was such a great winger. It means a lot. 

'But if you want touches on the ball, you need to go and find it. I managed to make a few tackles as well but I would love as many touches as I can.' 

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