The rise of Charlie Sharples
While there has been a lot of media hype about the swallow diving antics of Chris Ashton, he is not the only one to gain attention for his try scoring antics. Rewind back to November as Gloucester took on Saracens. Gloucester winger Charlie Sharples dove over the line only for Kameli Ratuvou to slide underneath in an attempt to prevent the score. Both players left the pitch injured as tempers erupted on both sides. The incident, however, is easily forgotten in comparison with the highlights of Sharples' career and his rise through the ranks.
Sharples' rise has not been an overnight success story like that fellow diver Chris Ashton. Originally picked up through an academy camp run by Gloucester, Sharples soon became dual registered with Gloucester and Moseley RFC in Birmingham. It was during this time that I was lucky enough to see him play and at that point it was clear that he had raw potential. This is a view echoed by Gloucester fans who have seen his talented nurtured and the winger force himself passed established players to become an almost certain starter for Gloucester. Now he finds himself in the England Saxons squad and about time if you ask anyone at Kingsholm.
At first glance you would assume that Sharples' strengths lie in his attacking strength. With ball in hand he has caused problems for defences across the country Newport Gwent Dragons will testify to this, the winger having crossed the white wash 4 times in their LV= Cup game earlier in the year. Sharples has the ability to beat a man, especially when attacking from deep; Gloucester have played to this strength and reaped the rewards. 19 tries in 29 games this season speaks volumes for his attacking prowess.
However, there are added dimensions to compliment these attacking skills. His defensive play has improved hugely over the years as have his all around ball skills. It is not unusual to see Sharples turn provider rather than scorer. Neither is it strange to see him getting stuck into the nitty gritty on the field or come inside looking for work. These attributes have developed progressively with each step up the ladder that Sharples has taken. The raw talent is still there, but this is embedded in what is now a more polished player; one who has taken time to develop his strengths, whilst also pulling in added ingredients to his game. The result is a well rounded player ready to take anything in his stride.
It is a shame that we have not seen the full Sharples attacking threat during the Churchill Cup. The Saxons opted for a more forward dominated style of play where they had a clear advantage over their opposition leaving little chance for the outside backs to shine. However, the young Gloucester winger has impressed defensively and has always looked a danger with ball in hand. To finish with well taken tries against the USA and Canada is fitting season finale for a man who has risen through the ranks so purposefully. Whilst not setting the world alight, Sharples' performances for the Saxons have only enhanced his reputation and further added to experience and all around ability.
When Martin Johnson names his 40 man World Cup squad on Monday, Sharples is an outside bet to be on the plane. His attacking from deep would be a breath of fresh air and he has proven many times he is more than capable defensively. However, the World Cup may be a bit too soon for the Hong Kong born winger. It's likely that Johnson will stick to the players he knows this time before restructuring the England squad post World Cup. With four years to build for the 2015 World Cup, there is a chance to nurture a young team capable of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy on home soil. Sharples will be a vital cog in that machine and a future star of the England side.
