For Henry Arundell, nothing could break a sense of reverie. There are dream World Cup debuts and then there was this, Arundell becoming only the fourth Englishman to score five tries in a single match as Chile were put to the sword. Who knows what the future holds for a player still with years, but aside from a sip from the Webb Ellis Cup, this first experience of tournament rugby will surely not be topped.
While four of his tries were the simplest of scores, there were glimpses here of the sort of glorious gifts that have so many in English rugby so excited about the former London Irish star. Arundell has a sprinter’s speed and squats more than any other England back, combining his physical potential with a natural nose for the line evident from a try-scoring first touch in international rugby on England’s tour of Australia last summer.
