Dan Ward-Smith told skysports.com of his burning World Cup ambition ahead of England's summer tour.
Wasps forward desperate to earn World Cup chance on summer tour
Dan Ward-Smith has more determination than most in England's 44-man tour squad that heads out to Australia this summer, as he is desperate to make amends for his World Cup heartbreak of four years ago.
The giant Wasps number eight has not yet pulled on an England shirt in anger, but has been in and around several squads and looked likely to play a part in the last World Cup in France, before injury struck.
The 32-year-old was also in the last Six Nations squad but did not make the cut, and he gets probably his last chance in Martin Johnson's touring party Down Under.
England face the Barbarians on May 30 where Ward-Smith could get his first taste of England action, but it will be his performances on tour that could make or break his World Cup dreams - and he is fully aware of his need to impress.
"Ever since I've been selected for the tour I've been extremely happy and can't wait to get started," Ward-Smith told
skysports.com. "Just to be given the opportunity to pull on the England shirt makes me deeply excited and I just can't wait to get on with it.
Tough
"It's always tough when you're not getting selected, when you're so close but not quite there, it is frustrating but there's not much you can do really other than trying to improve yourself as a player and working hard - eventually if you work hard enough you get an opportunity."
Johnson has said all of his squad will get their chance during the two Tests against Australia and midweek matches with the Australian Barbarians and New Zealand Maori.
"With five games to play everyone's going to get a chance to play and show what they can do, that's the reason they've gone for this format with the two Tests and three midweek games," Ward-Smith added. "So everyone has the chance to express themselves and show what they can offer going forward and looking towards the World Cup.
"Any good performances in any of the games will be crucial. If you play well you're going to push yourself closer to a World Cup slot, it's all to play for, it will be hard work but an enjoyable time and all our performances will count."
It was a bitter pill to swallow to miss out on the 2007 World Cup, but Ward-Smith will not be letting that play on his mind this time around.
"I was bitterly disappointed, but rugby is unfortunately one of those games where you pick up injuries, but I don't think of that too much any more. I've put that all behind me and I'm looking forward to this tour and showing what I can do.
Versatile
Versatility in a smaller World Cup squad could give Ward-Smith an edge, since he is also able to play in the second row and at flanker, as well as at eight.
"I'd say it would be a help, being able to play in a few positions can help you. You need someone in a World Cup squad who can cover four, five, six, eight, that's important. Martin Corry filled that role at the last World Cup. I can play those positions and showed I can do it, so given the opportunity I'll stick my hand up.
"But there's still a lot of work to be done by me, I've still not played for England and I really want to leave a positive mark in coaches' minds on this tour.
"I've predominantly played at eight for Wasps this year, but I've played six and four in games and I'm more than happy to do that for England as well."
A solid tour performance could put Ward-Smith in the Six Nations team, and then in pole position for a World Cup berth, but that will not lead to a slip in his Wasps performances.
"You're aware that form on this tour is going to be important, but then form after it back in the Premiership is going to be very important as well, you just need to maintain a high level from now until the World Cup if you want to get selected."
The Mastercard Trophy, England v Barbarians at Twickenham takes place on 30 May 2010. Tickets are available from just £25, with under 16s tickets £10, via www.rfu.com/tickets or 0844 8472492. For further details visit: www.rfu.com
