By GARY FITZGERALD

Steve Borthwick claims Zach Mercer has “grown” into a true World Cup back row contender for during his time across the Channel.
And the England boss is relishing the chance to help the former Bath man’s development further as a world class No. 8 as the build-up to the big kick-off in France intensifies.
Sam Simmonds’ decision to put a new club career with Montpellier ahead of any further international honours, and so opt out of being part of Borthwick’s squad, has left space for Mercer to play a potential big role in trying to help his country lift a second Webb Ellis C...