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As the Waratahs continue the hunt to find a fullback, James Ramm – the 24-year-old former Wallabies squad member – turned heads as the outside back led Northampton to an important win over the defending English champions, Leicester Tigers.
Ramm, who joined the Saints this season after making the move from Sydney to the Midlands following last year’s Super Rugby season, has been in red hot form for his club scoring seven tries from 11 appearances.
On Saturday, the fullback turned provider as he set up the match-turning try for Ollie Sleightholme early in the second half.
James Ramm celebrates winning the player of the match award at Welford Road Stadium in Leicester. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
Ramm took the ball to the line and managed to get away a brilliant reverse flick pass to unleash his teammate in what proved to be the final points of the match.
Earlier, former Sydney University star Harry Potter, who is highly regarded by new England coach Steve Borthwick, scored a double.
The winger got away a great fend to score inside the opening 10 minutes. He backed it up with another try early in the second.
But it was Ramm’s magical moment two minutes later that swung the match and earned him man of the match honours.
“If you can do it at training hopefully you can pull it off in a game, and that one came off,” Ramm told BT Sport at full-time. “I’m very happy.”
James Ramm gets away a delicious offload to set up a try for Ollie Sleightholme during Northampton Saints’ win over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road Stadium on January 28, 2023. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
Ramm’s departure from Australia and his strong form of late has raised eyebrows across the rugby landscape.
It’s understood the Waratahs had offered him a multi-year, six-figure deal to stay at the franchise.
However, wanting to play fullback and recognising the developing depth in the outside backs, Ramm decided to up and go.
The Waratahs, meanwhile, are trying to settle on their fullback with 95-capped Wallaby Kurtley Beale to miss at least the start of the season as he prepares to face court for an alleged sexual assault on December 17.
While incumbent Wallabies playmaker Ben Donaldson is being considered to play in the position, especially with Will Harrison due to return in late March, it’s understood the Waratahs are strongly considering upgrading teenage prodigy Max Jorgensen from the Elite Development Squad so the schoolboy sensation can enter the selection discussion.
Jorgensen, who impressed Wallabies players and officials in Japan after being picked as a development player for the Australian A tour, is expected to be given game time during the Waratahs’ upcoming trial matches.
The Waratahs will play the Brumbies in Griffith on Saturday, before ramping up their pre-season trials with a match against the Reds in Narrabri.
Darren Coleman’s side will round out their pre-season fixtures with a trial against Shute Shield clubs Wet Harbour and Western Sydney at Concord Oval.
Meanwhile, the Rebels struggled in their opening pre-season match as they were well-beaten 24-0 in Fiji.
Missing the bulk of their first-choice players, the Rebels struggled in the energy-sapping conditions and struggled with their ball-handling. Heavy rain made the conditions even more difficult.
Despite the loss, the match provided rising playmaker Carter Gordon some time in the saddle alongside James Tuttle. While Alex Mafi made his debut for the club after joining from the Reds.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.