The World Cup in New Zealand catapulted the already vital No.7 position even further into the spotlight with the performances of McCaw, Australia’s David Pocock and Wales skipper Sam Warburton.

And with Rowntree admitting interim head coach Stuart Lancaster’s squad lacks an out-and-out openside the former Leicester prop insists Saull’s position in the Saxons may not be forever.

"We know what Saully can do, we have been looking at him for a long time,” he said. “We are looking to develop that type of player to bring into a senior squad. We haven't got a natural groundhog or ball-stealing seven so we're looking to develop one in the Saxons. Saully fits the bill, so does Matt [Kvesic].

“You can't argue with how Tom Wood has played in the number seven shirt for Northampton this season," Rowntree said. "He had a great Six Nations last year. We all know his frustrations at the World Cup. He's playing well at the moment.

“Chris Robshaw has probably been the form back row in the Premiership over the last few months. There's a couple of good sevens there and Dowson has played seven too. I'm sure Tom Croft could play seven too so we have enough good cover there.”