Ali Hepher backs Henry Slade to make England impact against France

Exeter Chiefs assistant coach Ali Hepher has backed Henry Slade to impress for England against France on Saturday.

The 22-year-old back will win his first senior international cap at Twickenham Stadium as Stuart Lancaster's side play the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-up games.

Hepher is confident that last season's Young Player of the Year can give himself a good chance of making the final England squad if he plays to his full potential.

"If Henry can put in a star performance then I am sure it would be very hard to ignore him," he told Exeter's official website.

"We all know the qualities he has got and I only expect them to get better on the international stage when he has top-quality players around him. I'm sure he'll shine even more.

"It is a great time to get a great chance to stand out and make a real push for that World Cup squad, which is what is on everyone's minds at the moment."

Slade has previously played for England Under-20s and England Saxons.