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Robinson says upcoming Tests 'massive' for Feyi-Waboso's Lions' hopes / Photo: © AFP
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Robinson says upcoming Tests 'massive' for Feyi-Waboso's Lions' hopes
Jason Robinson believes Immanuel Feyi-Waboso can star for the 2025 British and Irish Lions in Australia, even though the next fortnight will be "massive" for the fledgling England wing's hopes of making the combined team's squad.
Feyi-Waboso only made his Test debut in this year's Six Nations, with his international credentials set to be tested again during England's match with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday and next week's clash against world champions South Africa.
The 21-year-old has made an impressive start to his England career, with five tries in seven Tests -- including three in consecutive matches against New Zealand, with Feyi-Waboso crossing the line in last week's agonising 24-22 loss at home to the All Blacks.
England and Lions hero Robinson, an outstanding wing in his own right, said Feyi-Waboso had the qualities needed to make an impact during next year's series in Australia.
"Manny's not got the experience of a lot of players in his position but we've seen that for England and Exeter he is a game changer," Robinson told reporters in London on Wednesday.
"He's certainly one of those who could make an impact down in Australia. The way he finished off that try against the All Blacks on Saturday, not many players are able to do that. He's young and he's hungry. He's really enjoying being there."
The diminutive Feyi-Waboso is a wing in the Robinson mould, with the 50-year-old World Cup winner, speaking at the launch of the 2025 Lions kit by Canterbury, saying: "When he gets the ball, even if he doesn't have space, he's making metres.
"Every time he plays he's up there with metres gained. He's strong and gets over the gain-line. His footwork and overall speed are gifts."
Robinson added: "The next two weeks are massive for him, from an England perspective but also from his own perspective, because Australia and then South Africa will be a real test to see where he is on the international stage."
Australia are currently in a slump, having lost five of their six matches in this year's southern hemisphere Rugby Championship under former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, who took charge after Eddie Jones oversaw a woeful 2023 World Cup campaign where the Wallabies crashed out in the pool stage.
Schmidt has just a handful of games to turn round Australia's fortunes before the first Test against the Lions in July.
But Robinson, a star of the 2001 Lions tour of Australia, said: "Having played Australia over the years, as a rugby league and union player, I know they are proud nation.
"Sometimes when you write a team off it gives them even more motivation to prove those critics wrong.
"I think they'll be a lot better than many people are giving them credit for. I think it will be really competitive."
A. Madsen--BTZ
