Geoff Parling wants big display from England pack against Ireland
Friday 4 September 2015 11:46, UK
Geoff Parling wants England's pack to prove themselves when they take on Ireland in their final World Cup warm-up clash on Saturday.
England and France claimed one win apiece in their recent home-and-home double header, but Stuart Lancaster's forwards came in for criticism for their displays, especially in defeat in Paris.
The line-out is the source of gravest concern and Parling has been restored to the second row for the Twickenham match in the hope that his expertise will result in it functioning once again.
The pack has been a historical source of English strength and has excelled throughout Lancaster's tenure, giving Parling, who will play for Exeter Chiefs from next season, the confidence to declare they still remain a force with which to be reckoned.
"We have beaten up teams and performed well in the past. You don't suddenly became a poor set piece side. I don't think so anyway," Parling said.
"I just think it is a few little fix-ups. It is never one area. It really does get to me when people always seem to blame the hooker. Sometimes that's out of order.
"There was one bad throw in the last game against France. No matter how many times I say it's not their fault they still get blamed. That's life.
"I don't think there's a big problem. It's a combination of little things that didn't go well, but I still think we're a very good set-piece team.
"It's now up to us to show it at the weekend. We have done a lot of work but you can train all you want, the proof is going to be on Saturday."
