Mitch Lees backs strongman Dave Ewers for England
Lees, a no-nonsense Aussie enforcer, reckons Zimbabwe-born Ewers is one of the strongest men he has met and insists his early season brilliance warrants a call-up.
“Dave’s got to be one of the form No.6s in the Premiership right now and his stats after every game have been immense,” Lees told The Rugby Paper.
“He’s been on top of everything over the last couple of weeks and he loves carrying the ball, loves defending and come EPS announcement time I think Dave should be one of those people definitely being looked at.
“He’s one of the strongest I’ve known and as good as anyone I’ve ever played with, either here or in Australia. I’m just glad he’s on my team!”
While Ewers has been grabbing headlines, Lees has also been outstanding in injured ex-Australia and club captain Dean Mumm’s absence.
Chiefs were concerned the loss of Mumm, coming on top of injury retirement victims James Hanks and Tom Hayes, would leave their second row light but the self-effacing Lees has risen superbly to the task during Exeter’s fine start.
He said: “Starting all our games has been great and the feedback has been positive. Rob Baxter and Rob Hunter gave me a job to do and they’re happy I’m fulfilling it. I’ve been working on my strengths around the park and they’re pleased with what I’m bringing to the team.
“Dean’s been really good, too. Everyone knows he’s a quality player and leader for the Chiefs and he’s been helpful with my game.
“He’ll be back soon, but I’m not worried about the challenge to my position. The 15 on the field are the best the coaches have available and it’s about the team more than any personal goal.”
At 25, Lees is a late arrival into top-class rugby, having been overlooked by Australia’s Super Rugby sides while turning out for Sydney grade outfit Eastwood.
But since joining London Welsh last summer his career has taken off and although sorry to leave the Exiles, he admits joining Exeter was a no-brainer. “Coming to the UK, I wanted to play top-flight rugby and when Exeter spoke to me in April nothing was guaranteed at Welsh,” he explained.
“It wasn’t that I thought London Welsh wouldn’t go up and I still gave them my best shot, but when the opportunity came along I took it.
“Last season was hugely satisfying. From not knowing much about the Championship to winning it was brilliant and I made some really good mates.
“It pains me to see where Welsh are now because I know they’re better than that, but they have good coaches and I’m sure they’ll get better.
“I was really nervous before we beat them 52-0 on the opening weekend, but Exeter’s my club now and I’m thankful to Rob Baxter for the opportunity. The Sandy Park facilities are second to none and it’s a world-class set-up.”
Having proved his worth in Exeter’s second row, Lees’ versatility may now be tested during a hectic autumn international period.
With back rower Tom Johnson sidelined for 10-12 weeks and Ewers potentially with England, Lees may be the man to deputise.
He added: “I can play six as well and the coaches know that. They’re happy with what I’m doing, but anywhere in the starting XV is good by me.”
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