Alex Dombrandt feels his off-the-field relationship with “great friend” Marcus Smith is the key ingredient to their impressive on-field relationship for Harlequins and England.
He said: “We spend a lot of time off the pitch together. That translates to what we do on the pitch.”
“We understand each others game well and that transfers onto the pitch,” he said.
Last weekend in Rome, the pair shone brightly as their telepathic relationship was as evident as ever when England ran out 0-33 victors over Italy.
England
Ahead of the visit of Wales on Saturday (16:45 kick off), England have been boosted from the return to fitness of Manu Tuilagi following a hamstring injury sustained when scoring a try in November's victory over South Africa.
On Tuilagi's return, Dombrandt said: “He's a massive boost. His experience with the boys and the physical specimen that he is puts fear into the opposition. So, to have him back is a great boost for the boys.”
Dombrandt's attacking performances at number eight for Harlequins have been a huge contributing factor to his international call up.
He said: “I'm more of an attack minded player. But I am also aware that at this level that you need an all-court game.
“Your attack has to be good. But, your defence has to be up there as well. So, I've been working hard on that aspect of my game.”
He credits his attacking game with his versatility when playing youth rugby at Warlingham RFC in Surrey.
Playing in various positions – including fly half and full back, helped enormously with Alex's game-understanding and ball handling skills.
A common theme of youth rugby is for players to play in their strongest position. However, playing in various positions at a younger age can play a pivotal role in skill development as players grow older.
Dombrandt said: “I think it has really helped with my ball handling skills.”
Dombrandt's strong Wales link
This weekend, Dombrandt faces a nation he knows incredibly well.
After spending three years at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Dombrandt went on to appear five times for the Wales U20 side in the 2017 Junior Six Nations.
The Londoner turned down an offer to join Cardiff Blues from their then head coach, Danny Wilson.
Now Cardiff Met University's Director of Rugby, Danny Wilson told The Rugby Paper last year: “Alex's parents were very keen for him to complete his education. The Quins offer came at a better time after he had done all the work for his degree in sport and physical education.
Dombrandt eventually re-swapped his allegiance back to England at senior level and made his full England Test debut in July's hammering of Canada. Since his debut, he has re-signed a long term deal at The Stoop.
“He is English through and through,” commented Wilson.
“Whether he ever truly wanted to be Welsh, I'm not sure. As a Welsh university we are mad keen on driving the Welsh Exiles programme. Perhaps if we'd really gone for him there might have been a chance.”
Despite choosing to play for England, Dombrandt still reflects upon his time in Wales as an important chapter of his life.
“It's been a unique journey and I made some friends for life,” he said.
“I have some really fond memories on the pitch in terms of rugby memories”
However, Wales was not plain sailing for Dombrandt. His jaw was broken on two separate occasions whilst playing in the Welsh Championship for Cardiff Met RFC.
He said: “Off the pitch it shaped me into the person I am today, so I look back at those three years with fond memories.”
Listen below to see Alex Dombrandt's thoughts on potentially lining up against Wales' Taulupe Faletau this weekend…
Written by BEN REDWOOD
