Ollie Devoto has outlined his eagerness to develop his carrying skills in his quest to challenge Manu Tuilagi as England’s ‘go-to guy’ at inside centre.
Devoto made his Guinness Six Nations debut as a late substitute against France in the opening round of the 2020 Championship, four years after collecting his first cap, and is a key part of an Exeter Chiefs squad enjoying a fine campaign on the domestic and European front.
The centre, who turned 27 today (September 22), discussed his international prospects on Sky Sports’ Will Greenwood Rugby Podcast ahead of Exeter’s crunch European Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse this weekend.
“I think looking at the 12 role for England, it is about front-foot rugby and getting England over the gainline,” Devoto said.
“Manu Tuilagi is probably one of the best in the world at doing that.
“I have had conversations with Eddie (Jones) and that is what he wants from me – he sees his 12 as that go-to guy.
“I think that is an area I can definitely develop. I have the handling capabilities having played at 10 and 15. My game awareness needs to come on but I think one area I need to improve is my carrying.
“I think it is about making the right decision at the right time. I do like to distribute and, being a big guy, people do sit down for you in defence. I am often that guy who makes the play that makes the backs look good and they score – but I want a little bit of that for myself sometimes.
“The person that has done that the best against me has been Wesley Fofana. He is one of the best players I have played against.
“I look at him and I’m like ‘is he going to carry over me, is he going to step round me, is he going to kick or distribute’. The ability to have all of them will stand me in good stead.”
Devoto came off the bench in Exeter’s quarter-final win over Northampton on Sunday and will be pushing for a start when Toulouse visit Sandy Park this weekend for the Chiefs’ first ever Champions Cup semi-final.
With several France stars set to line up for the visitors, the clash will provide a stern test of Devoto’s international credentials.
“If we give guys like (Antoine) Dupont space, then they are going to take it,” he said.
“Sofiane Guitone runs a hard apex off No 10. He has his socks down and does not look like a physical threat but he is absolutely class at making you look like a mug when you think you have him covered!
“I cannot wait for it – it is going to be huge.”
