DAVID Wilson is changing the view of those who saw him as merely an understudy for England’s tighthead prop position, according to Bath’s forwards coach Neal Hatley.

Wilson, 28, has 19 caps, went to the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and has been a regular in Stuart Lancaster’s squad, but has found his starting chances limited by the presence of Leicester and British Lions man Dan Cole in recent seasons.

The former Newcastle Falcons man started this autumn’s internationals on the bench for the opener with Australia before being handed the shirt against Argentina last weekend.

Despite resuming bench duty for tomorrow’s match against the world champions New Zealand at Twickenham, with Cole again preferred, Wilson’s club coach believes he is earning the right to be considered as a serious rival to the Tigers man.

“I’d like to think so,’’ said Hatley, when asked about Wilson’s prospects of more regular Test starts.

“Sometimes, as a player, you get a bit pigeon-holed by people and I think that it’s been said about Davey in the past that he is just a set-piece prop.

“But at Bath, we know he is much more than that. He does a lot of ball carrying and he is a big part of our driving armoury. He also contributes a hell of a lot to rucks and mauls.

"What’s relevant for clubs is relevant for internationals and when you have boys like Davey training and playing the house down, hopefully that is being looked at.’’

Bath have had Dave Attwood, Anthony Watson and Rob Webber back from stints with the England squad this week, as well as prop Juan Pablo Orlandi back from the Argentina squad as they prepare to host Exeter in their second LV= Cup match at the Rec on Sunday (1pm).

Like Bath, who beat Sale 27-20, the Chiefs won their cup opener, beating Harlequins 19-5 last weekend and Hatley insists no one should be surprised that Rob Baxter’s men are continuing to make an impression at the top of English rugby.

“I am still surprised when I hear people refer to them as a surprise package,’’ he added. “To me, they are not that any more. They are a good side that are very well coached and have great game-breakers.

“That hasn’t happened by accident. They are very well-drilled and work hard for each other. It’s exciting to play against.’’

Back row Dave Sisi and backs Olly Woodburn and Ben Williams are also nearing returns from injury for Bath.

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