Lewis Moody is ready to lead England against New Zealand next Saturday after coming through Bath's 6-6 draw with Harlequins.
Skipper happy with 80 minutes of Premiership action
Lewis Moody is ready to lead England against New Zealand next Saturday after coming through Bath's 6-6 draw with Harlequins.
The England captain required stitches to a head wound early in the first half - but that will not stop him from taking on the All Blacks at Twickenham in six days' time.
Moody had been released from England's training camp to make his return to action at The Stoop after a month sidelined by a serious eye injury.
"I was a bit nervous going into the game that I would not pick the ball up as quickly but it was fine. Even in the dwindling light conditions it did not affect me," said Moody.
"There was a very similar situation where the guy was lining up the kick and I didn't hold back in going to charge him down. That was a good mental thing.
"The eye's all right - it was a case of getting my eye in, so to speak!"
New Zealand had their 15-game winning streak ended by Australia in Hong Kong on Saturday but Moody added: "Whether they win, lose or draw their previous game, that's irrelevant with the All Blacks. They are a quality side.
"We know they'll be fired up to play at Twickenham and the boys have trained hard for the last week, so we're looking forward to it.
"I just wanted to get out and play. I've had three or four weeks without a game and that's never good for a player, it's frustrating.
Happy
"Having three or four weeks off is not ideal for your fitness but I was really happy to be on the field at the end."
Bath coach Steve Meehan is confident Moody is in good shape to tackle the All Blacks.
"I thought he was pretty good. He was pretty intense," said Meehan. "Interestingly enough we saw him attempt two or three charge-downs in the same way as he received his injury. He hasn't changed at all.
"He is a fantastic bloke to have around. That run out will do him no harm and he should be raring to go next weekend to play the All Blacks."
The game ended try-less but Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea said: "I thought both teams tried to play a lot of rugby. The fact there were no tried does not make it a shocking spectacle. I thought on the balance of play we deserved to win."
