Rugby union: talking points from the Premiership’s weekend action


Bath’s Jonathan Joseph did his England chances no harm at all, Exeter had the look of Premiership champions against Leicester and things are starting to get serious at the bottom

Jonathan Joseph has been back from his long injury layoff for a while but judging by his performance against Bristol, and in his previous outing against Exeter, he is nearing a return to his best form. In the past it has been a criticism that, because he is so naturally talented, Joseph has a tendency to coast because things come so easy. He has a World Cup place to chase, however, and he is clearly in Eddie Jones’s thoughts considering he was called into the wider England squad just 50-odd minutes into his comeback. It would be a surprise to see him omitted from the World Cup squad but he does have ground to make up and as a result Bath are benefiting. Joseph said: “I’ve had a good honest chat with [Eddie] and he was very happy with how I’ve trained. He said: ‘That’s the best I’ve seen you train for three years, mate.’ Before I got injured I always used to get cramp, I’ve not done that once yet. In terms of my physical capabilities I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt. Sharpness-wise I don’t think I’m far off.” Gerard Meagher

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