Dan Ward-Smith and Joe Simpson have both been backed to secure places on England's tour to Australia and New Zealand.
Coaches push claims of Ward-Smith and Simpson
Dan Ward-Smith and Joe Simpson have both been backed to secure places on England's tour to Australia and New Zealand by their coaches at Wasps.
Back-rower Ward-Smith has been in fine form over the past couple of months and enhanced his prospects further with a try in the Londoners' 25-21 triumph at Newcastle on Saturday.
Scrum-half Simpson also took the eye at Kingston Park, as he brilliantly created a farewell try for winger Paul Sackey.
England team manager Martin Johnson names his 44-man squad on Tuesday for a trip that includes two Tests against Australia, as well as two games against Australia A and a clash with the New Zealand Maori. Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks feels Ward-Smith could make a big impact if selected.
"As Shaun (Edwards) has said previously he is the new prototype second row," Hanks stated.
"That number four jersey has been dominated by a certain Simon Shaw for a long time but Dan has been a revelation in that position. He has a pretty good try-scoring record there too.
"It says a lot when opposition coaches come up to you after a game and they say 'Jeez, that Dan-Ward Smith can play'.
"He rolls his sleeves up, he doesn't hang around out wide and he carries and carries and gets through a ton of work.
"He trains very hard. We are kicking him out of the gym and sending him home. He has been a great addition.
"I think he has got to be in with a great shout of making that tour and making a real impression. The decision over what jersey they give him will be the interesting one."
Unfortunate injuries
The 32-year-old has seen his international ambitions thwarted by an unfortunate run of injuries in recent years, but is hopeful he may get a chance Down Under.
"I was involved in training with the squad during this year's Six Nations, so I may get a chance this summer," he stated.
"I have tried as hard as I can to put my hands up so it's up to the coaches. I have done as much as I can and I will just sit back and see that happens.
"I just enjoy being in the rugby field no matter what number I have on my back.
"I have enjoyed playing second row, there is a lot of satisfaction to be taken from a good scrum or getting a lot of tackles in.
"I can still cover the ground, make tackles and get some carries in. I am still making a contribution to the team."
Wasps head coach Edwards also praised former England Under-20 cap Simpson, whose pace and invention were key in Sackey's try.
When quizzed whether England should select Simpson, Edwards joked: "I coach Wales, so I hope they don't. You should try catching him.
"His form has shown great promise, I am sure the England coaches have got their eyes on him because he is a real talent and one to nurture to become, hopefully, a world-class scrum-half one day."
