Crane on a high at call-up

Crane: Relishing England call-up

They are big old boys and quite direct but it is a challenge and I am looking forward to it more than being fazed or daunted by it.

Jordan Crane
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England new boy Jordan Crane insists he will not be fazed about making his debut against the much-vaunted South Africa back row at Twickenham.

The Leicester Tigers No.8 has been named on the bench for Saturday's clash with the world champions as England look to bulk up their pack.

And Crane, who weighs in at 18st and stands 6ft 3ins tall, can't wait to lock horns with former world player of the year Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies and Juan Smith.

"It is brilliant. The prospect of winning my first cap against the world champions is great," said Crane.

"They are big old boys and quite direct but it is a challenge and I am looking forward to it more than being fazed or daunted by it.

"You see those guys playing in the Super 14 and the Tri-Nations. You know what qualities they have. To get my first taste of Test rugby against the likes of Schalk Burger is going to be great.

Bulk

"They (England) wanted a bit of bulk. I will take my ball-carrying game into the match and just do what I can."

Having captained England at Under-18 and Under-19 level, helped the Under-21s win the Grand Slam in 2006 and been named the Churchill Cup's MVP after an impressive tournament with the England Saxons last summer, Crane has earned his chance with the full squad.

And now Saturday cannot come soon enough for the 22-year-old.

"I always felt it would be a progression to get to England. You always strive to try and get in," he said.

"I have been chomping at the bit to get a chance. I had to keep my head down, keep training and working as hard as I can.

"Now that opportunity has come. I think they brought me for a bit of bulk and I hope to make the most of it. You couldn't pick a better potential debut than against South Africa."