Friday 14 August 2015 12:04, UK
Henry Slade believes his nervousness about playing for England will be a benefit when he runs out against France on Saturday night.
The Exeter man will start alongside Sam Burgess in the centres for the final warm-up match before the World Cup squad is finalised.
The game is likely to be an intense affair with so much at stake, and the side’s captain for the day, Northampton back row Tom Wood, has stated it will be treated like a “full-blooded Test match”.
We’ve all got different strengths as players – myself and Sam are different types of players and we’ve got to push on and do our best
That might lead to some nerves among the players but Slade is ready to harness that as he bids to making a lasting impression on head coach Stuart Lancaster.
“I’ve been looking forward to it for my whole rugby career and for before that as well,” he said. “My nerves are pretty good – I get nervous but I find in league games that sometimes they make you want it more and make you play better.
“He’s a big, big bloke and if the weather is wet then if we’re having trouble getting over the gain line then we’ll get it to Sam; he’s very good on defence as well and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him.
“We’re working towards the same goal as a team and we know the task in hand. The World Cup is the goal and we have to work as a team to get there.
“We’ve all got different strengths as players – myself and Sam are different types of players and we’ve got to push on and do our best.
“I’d like to think my versatility helps but it’s all down to the coaches. They want me to do what I’ve been doing for Exeter, get my hands on the ball and be the second distributor, helping out Faz (Owen Farrell).”
Alex Goode will start at full-back in the France game, where he will hope a strong display will enhance his cause in the battle with Mike Brown for the number 15 jersey.
Brown has been gradually increasing his own training intensity since suffering a concussion against Italy in the Six Nations in February.
“Browny (Mike Brown) has been playing well over the past two years or so and for me it’s about putting a big performance for me,” he said.
“I feel I played well against Ireland in the Six Nations and I want to make sure I improve on that and put down a marker.
“I want to put pressure on him (Brown) and I want to start, I don’t want to be a fringe player in this World Cup.
“I want to be someone who is in the mix and playing and I know I’ll have to work hard to achieve that.”
