5 New Faces For South Africa - Debrief

New Full International Tom Johnson

Following two losses and a draw a debrief will soon come for Stuart Lancaster and his England team. Yet, prior to this tour, Rugby Review selected five players who we thought would be worth watching for the tour. Here we run a quick debrief on their performances and their prospects for their England futures.

Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)

Unfortunately Launchbury suffered an injury prior to the test series and was unable to make the trip. Despite this, the young Wasp will prove to be a big name for the upcoming premiership season and will look to make an impact at some point. His replacement Jamie Gibson proved a good performer on tour earning himself a start in England's second tour game.

Tour Rating - N/A

Christian Wade (London Wasps)

Wade was tipped by us and most of the media as 'the hot prospect' for the tour. Wade performed well in the first mid week tour game scoring a hat trick before playing a part in the second tour game. Head Coach Stuart Lancaster saw no reason to put him in the starting XV, most likely due to his size and vulnerability under the high ball, despite this, expect to see him in the Autumn international training squad at the very least.

Tour Rating - 6

Jonathan Joseph (London Irish)

Joseph gained three full international caps on this tour, unfortunately his genuine skill was unable to shine through. After a line break in a two minute cameo in the first test he earned starts in the second and third tests against the Boks. He didn't appear to make much of an impression, yet this was more due to the fact he simply wasn't given enough ball. If England look to improve in the future, Jonathan Joseph must play and get more ball to unlock his true potential. With three caps under his belt, Joseph is slowly getting used to international rugby, and with Manu Tuilagi may make up England's centre partnership for years to come.

Tour Rating - 6

Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

The older brother of Ben was able to make an impression on this South Africa tour, which may put him in line for future full international England honours. The converted centre appears to be graced with similar pace to his brother, being bulkier he was able to give England's mid week team vital go forward on the pitch when called upon. With Lee Mears performing woefully in England's tests from the bench, Youngs seems destined to claim the bench spot for the coming Autumn internationals.

Tour Rating - 7

Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)

Johnson was one of the stars of the England tour, a man who constantly raises his game and comfortable stepping up to the plate. With James Haskell breathing down his neck, Johnson rightfully retained the 6 shirt for all 3 tests impressing in each, particularly the final test. With Tom Wood seemingly cursed with injury problems, Johnson may benefit from this tour to hold onto the 6 shirt in the Autumn Internationals if he can hold off competition from the returning Tiger Tom Croft.

Tour Rating - 9