England's Secret World Cup Weapon? Joe Cokanasiga
England's Secret World Cup Weapon? Joe Cokanasiga
Can rising star Joe Cokanasiga crack Eddie Jones' side for world cup? How he performs in the Summer Test Series will give us a clue
At 6-4, 250, Joe Cokanasiga is not your average-sized player, not even in a sport populated by some of the best athletes on the planet, and certainly not for a player on the wing.
Sure, there are many second- and back-rowers with Cokanasiga's measurables, but there are few, if any, players who can bring the speed and skillset the to their frames as does the Bath winger.
At just 21, Cokanasiga is starting to get a real taste for international rugby. His electric debut performances this past autumn in victories over Japan and Australia showcased his abilities to out-power, out-run, and out-skill his opponents in a way that could only be described as natural.
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In his one-on-one interview here with the England RFU, Joe shares that he was born in Fiji, but moved to England when he was just three years old. His father was part of the British Army, so the family moved around a good bit during Joe's childhood. They spent time living in Germany and Brunei as well, before settling back in England when Cokanasiga was 15.
It was then that he discovered his love for rugby, a sport that was not his first choice.
As a youngster, Cokanasiga says his primary interest was soccer. Despite his massive frame, he claims he "had the touch" when he was young, which serves to explain the remarkable footwork he has for a man of his stature.
Although Cokanasiga's dad was a good rugby player himself, he never pushed his son into the sport, Joe tells the RFU. It was something that Joe came to admire on his own, and watching his dad play inspired him to kick away the soccer ball and pick up the rugby ball for good.
He was fortunate enough to play for a season with his dad, forming a deadly partnership in the centers for Old Merchant Taylor's RFC in Northwood, England.
Joe says his dad still gives him pointers to this day, reminding to use his size to his advantage, and make the most of his athletic ability.
Speedy Rise
In 2017, he starred for the London Irish, helping them gain promotion to the Gallagher Premiership while he was still just a teenager. Following his impressive run with the London club, he was signed to English giants Bath, for whom he still plays.
His nine tries from 15 matches in the 2018/19 season firmly placed Cokanasiga into Eddie Jones' world cup plans, and there is no sign of him slowing down anytime soon.
It has been tough, however, for the rising star to crack his way into the England starting XV. The back three is a crowded unit in the England camp, with experienced players like Jonny May, Elliot Daly, Jack Nowell, and Anthony Watson making it tough to get time in the white shirt on the wing.
What Cokanasiga lacks in test experience though, he makes up for with an ability to be the X-factor in big games. His skills under the high ball, his ability to offload, and his nose for the whitewash are all elements he brings to the England team that can break down even the best of defenses at the World Cup.
He still has some work to do to get into the first side, but with good showings in the Summer Test Series against Wales (August 11 and August 17), Ireland (August 24), and Italy (September 6), there's a good chance we could see Cokanasiga play in the world cup and emerge as the next big star of international rugby.