Ahead of a rare England appearance against the Barbarians, James Simpson-Daniel insists he still has international ambitions.
Gloucester wing determined to make the most of rare England opportunity
Ahead of a rare England appearance against the Barbarians this weekend, James Simpson-Daniel insists his international ambitions burn as bright as ever.
The Gloucester wing, who turns 29 next week, has won just 10 caps since making his international debut, also against the Baa-Baas, back in 2002.
On that occasion, Simpson-Daniel found himself lining up against Jonah Lomu and despite initially being terrified by the prospect, he soon embarrassed the legendary All Black.
Simpson-Daniel threw an outrageous dummy and scorched outside Lomu to score a champagne try as England won 53-29.
It seemed the start of an electrifying international career but Simpson-Daniel's England hopes have been wrecked by a combination of injury, illness and untimely poor performances.
Neither is he helped by his diminutive frame given the current England management's preference for powerful defenders.
Determined
But Simpson-Daniel heads into Sunday's fixture determined to prove his World Cup credentials to manager Martin Johnson.
"There is a slight difference playing against the Barbarians this time in that when I first got selected and found out who my opposite number was going to be I wet myself," Simpson-Daniel laughed.
"I was excited about the last one but I was scared I could die. I didn't sleep for three days, I put myself in a dark room and didn't eat! Thankfully it worked and I got a try!
"It is not quite the same this time. Now I am genuinely looking forward to it.
"I am a little bit more experienced than I was. It is a chance for me. My chances don't come around too often and when they do I have to take them. My ambition burns as strongly as ever."
Simpson-Daniel knows his place in the England pecking order and now, a little older and wiser, he is comfortable with it.
Johnson has picked Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton on the wing in every Test since the end of last year's RBS Six Nations and he is no longer considered a starting option at outside centre.
Simpson-Daniel is therefore effectively competing with David Strettle and Ugo Monye for a place in England's World Cup squad and hopes his versatility will prove valuable.
"I have been frustrated by my limited chances over the years. I used to get really down about it," he said.
"As time has gone on I have learned a little bit more how to take it. That doesn't get away from the fact I wish I had more good games, more England shirts and England caps.
Realist
"I am a realist. I understand they have a starting lineup, they have Ashton and Cueto who are far ahead of me.
"I think there are maybe two, three, four of us who are not a million miles apart for that third or fourth spot.
"I genuinely do believe, and the coaches must believe there is a chance for it to happen, otherwise I wouldn't be here.
"If I am not in the World Cup squad, I have got to be in a position where I am the next person in line if there is an injury.
"I have got to make sure I try my best if they did want to call me up I am fit and available and they have confidence in me.
"If you are realistic and think I am not going to be in the starting XV but I can cover 13 and play both wings."
