Balshaw ignores criticism
England full-back rises above Welsh mind games
Last updated: 5th February 2008
Balshaw: Ignoring comments made by Wales
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England full-back Iain Balshaw is refusing to let Warren Gatland's mind games get to him ahead of the RBS Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday.
New Wales coach Gatland heaped the pressure of Balshaw by claiming the returning Gloucester back would be a weak link to target at Twickenham.
That means Balshaw, along with wingers Paul Sackey and David Strettle, can expect more than a few up-and-unders to deal with from Wales kickers James Hook and Gavin Henson.
However, Balshaw has shrugged off Gatland's criticism, opting instead to focus on making the most of his recall to the England side.
He said: "All teams these days target the back three of the opposition. It's part and parcel of matches, but we are ready for it.
"The more they kick us the ball, the more opportunities we are going to get to run it back at them.
"I don't think I have got anything to prove.
Fantastic
"I have been talking with the management and coaching staff, and I am just working on doing the basics well. Off the back of that, other things happen.
"It is a fantastic opportunity I have been given, and I am hoping to take it with both hands."
Balshaw's fellow back Sackey has also been targeted for criticism, however the Wasps winger is just happy to be back playing.
Sackey's has been out of action since January 13 after being diagnosed with the mumps - but he is now back to full fitness and raring to go.
He said: "I wasn't the best to be honest, but I've got through it and I have trained all week.
"I was laid up in bed for most of the time I was ill, and it does take a hell of a lot out of you.
"But the doctor said I had done well to get through it so quickly. I don't know if you can have a mild form of mumps or not.
"They ran a few tests, and it was definitely mumps, although I felt okay within three or four days."
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