Jimmy Gopperth backs Alex Lozowski to be best 10 of the lot
Gopperth has been so impressed by the 22-year-old schemer that he is tipping him to challenge George Ford and Owen Farrell for the England jersey.
Lozowski enjoyed an excellent first season at Wasps after joining from Yorkshire last summer, making significant contributions from the bench.
Kiwi playmaker Gopperth expects more, telling The Rugby Paper: “I’ve seen a few fly-halves in my time and, believe me, Alex has got loads and loads of talent.
“He’s a great learner as well and he’s definitely going to be an international player in years to come.
“Do I believe he can go on to rival Ford and Farrell? Yes I do, because he’s an up and coming English fly-half who’s already got fantastic ability.
“He’s got all the attributes to be a great No.10, or even a 12 or 15; he’s so skilful, he’s got really good pace and he kicks his goals well, too.
“He’s still young and has lots of time to work hard and get better this season, but he’s already shown me he’s got all the goods.”
Gopperth is relishing his competition for the Wasps fly-half jersey, adding: “Myself, Ruaridh Jackson and Alex are really pushing each other. The team thrive off that and we all want that No.10 jersey.
“It’s healthy competition and that’s what we’ve got right throughout the squad this season, which is going to be very important for us.”
All Black utility back signing Charles Piutau is due on board at Wasps this week after completing his ITM Cup duties with Auckland.
Gopperth said: “Charles is a fantastic player who was very unlucky not to be involved at the World Cup, so we’re looking forward to seeing him.
“It’s another string to our bow to go with all the other strike runners we’ve got and I’m looking forward to doing my job and releasing them.”
The play-offs remain Wasps’ target, Gopperth adding: “We’ve set a minimum of top six as the standard and we aim to improve on that.”
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