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21-year-old Kane James is set to make his Test debut off the bench in San Juan this weekend
Even on the night when Kane James was pulling on the red rose at the Arms Park, those within the Welsh Rugby Union were confident that – in the long-run – it would be Wales, rather than England, that he would choose.
Sometimes, confidence within the governing body has been, shall we say, a little misplaced – but not on this occasion.
A year after lighting up the U20s Six Nations for England, James was committed to playing for the country of his birth.
Had injury not struck in January, the suggestion is that the 21-year-old would have been a part of Wales’ Six Nations squad.
In the end, the Exeter back-row had to wait a little longer. Not too long, though.
Now, after 17 senior appearances for Exeter, James is on the bench for Wales against Argentina in San Juan this Saturday.
Even with all their back-row riches, James could offer Steve Tandy’s side something different moving forward.
Going back to last year’s U20s Six Nations, James was a standout for England’s age-grade side.
He led the way for metres made, fourth in terms of defenders beaten, second in terms of dominant carries, fourth for dominant tackles, fifth for success tackles and third for post-contact metres.
Then, in his breakthrough season for Exeter this season, he provided a dynamic carrying threat in the Gallagher Prem finalists’ back-row.
James isn’t the biggest. In terms of height and weight, he’s smaller than Alex Mann.
Yet, when it comes to his carrying, he packs a punch.
There’s an explosiveness to his work with ball in hand, married up with footwork that, certainly at age-grade level, led to some eye-catching scores.
Space is at a premium at the highest level, but it’s a good combination to have.
Wales have some strong carriers at the minute.
Aaron Wainwright and Jac Morgan are at the peak of their powers, while Tandy has managed to do what Warren Gatland never could and create an environment for Rhys Carre to thrive.
But given how few and far good carriers can be in Welsh rugby, another in the shape of James is no bad thing.
Those in Wales camp have already been impressed by James’ contributions.
“Kane is an exciting player,” said Tandy after naming him in his squad on Thursday. “He’s so powerful and quick.
“The way he’s come into the environment and just jumped straight in: he hasn’t been tentative in anything he does. He creates a big energy in how he goes about his work; he’s super diligent around everything, taking on the detail. I’m really excited to see Kane get his first cap on the weekend.”
Tandy’s other coaches have been just as effusive.
“We’ve seen a lot of him obviously playing for Exeter,” said attack coach Matt Sherratt last week. “The first session he came in, he had an immediate impact.
“He’s really busy, very powerful, he’s quick, he’s got a good skill set – it’s the first time I’ve seen that up close – and his soft skills are good.
“He’s very enthusiastic, coachable. So I think he’s got a big, big, big future with Wales.”
His new team-mates were just as taken aback by the impact he’s made.
“He’s very energetic – off the field as well,” said Dragons lock Ben Carter. “He’s seems full of energy.
“He’s very quick to get on the field and he’s very quick around the field as well. You notice when he’s there.
“He seems like he’s settled right in. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him.”
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