Versatile Henry Slade can take Toby Flood path to top

Henry Slade‘s ability  to play anywhere in the backline can only enhance his Test prospects, according to Exeter backs coach Ali Hepher, who believes the player is benefitting from following a similar career path to that of  Toby Flood.
Slade, 21, began the season in the outside-centre berth, earning rave reviews for his performances in both defence and attack.
But question marks were raised over whether Chiefs trusted him as a kicker, having selected Gareth Steenson at No.10.
But Hepher has no concerns, telling The Rugby Paper: “If you look at Toby Flood’s development at Newcastle, it was in midfield. There’s no reason why Henry cannot follow a similar path and he’ll be a different animal as a 25-28-year-old.
“Being in midfield gives him that little bit of breathing space where he doesn’t have to dominate the whole game, and even Jonny Wilkinson spent time in midfield in order to develop into a world-class No.10.
“It’s quite common to be able to do both. Mike Catt was another and playing in midfield won’t hinder Henry at all. He gives you that long-range kicking option and a left foot, which is very important, and there are lots of positives as long as he stays ground and works hard, which he will.”
Jon Callard, the RFU’s international performance coach, is a huge fan of Slade and is backing Exeter’s approach. He told TRP: “We’ve been saying how good this player is and every opportunity he gets on the top stage, he always produces.
“We saw it at the Junior World Cup; we saw it for England against the Baa-baas in June; and we’re seeing it again at Exeter. I’ve been very impressed with his performances so far and Manu Tuilagi was quiet against him for Leicester last week.
“People question Henry’s goal-kicking and you will always hit blips because it’s a different kind of pressure. But once you get through that your stats will go sky high and, believe me, Henry’s a more than capable goal-kicker if the chances present.
“Exeter are doing the right thing getting Henry, Sam Hill and Gareth Steenson on the park at the same time and everyone is benefitting. Full credit to Chiefs, they’ve got a good asset and they’re playing Henry in a position where he’s thriving.
“Henry’s got good pace, good feet, great defence and a very good kicking game. The senior England coaches have decisions to make but it’s great that these young guys are putting their hands up and giving Stuart Lancaster and Co those options.”
Hepher believes Slade is closing on the likes of Owen Farrell, George Ford and Freddie Burns fast.
He added: “Henry still needs more Premiership time and exposure at the top, but you can see how he can influence a game from midfield. He’s not too far behind those guys and if you look at his England progression, he’s right on track so far.
“There’s not many weaknesses and he is striving to get even better.”
NEALE HARVEY