Hendre Fourie hits back at England team critics - Rugby news
The South African-born, Hendre Fourie, rebutted criticisms hurled at England’s Manager, Martin Johnson, for including 11 imports into the 45-man preliminary squad of England for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011.
Since the announcement of the preliminary squad, Johnson has been targeted by extreme criticism for selecting 11 foreigners into the squad, with home-based players like Luke Narraway, sitting outside the selection pool. He has been defending his choices
and is of the opinion that the pick is entirely merit based and is meant to achieve a world cup winning combination.
Fourie, who himself is the latest foreign induction as the flanker of England’s World Cup squad, is of the view that playing for England is as important for him as it is for anyone who traces back to English roots.
While speaking about the matter, Fourie added that people who are bent on criticising are not in a position to have a clear perspective to comment on the current scenario.
Further, he explained, "I've been over here in England for a fifth of my life. I came through National League One and I've done the hard yards. It's not like we've just walked over yesterday into the team. We've been doing the hard graft for several years.”
Fourie also mentioned that although he has not lived all his life in England but wearing the “white shirt” with the emblem of red rose he wants to deliver for the English squad in the best possible manner as he is as much proud of playing for the English
squad as the ones who are English.
During the month of August, the 45-man training squad will contest against Ireland and Wales in the three Test matches after which the squad will be finalised to 30 members which will march into the RWC 2011, in September.
According to Fourie, who has already played six Test games with the English squad, the hard work and structured game plan of the squad will make England amongst the real contenders within the World Cup competition irrespective of who makes it into the final
squad.
While speaking about it he stated, “Whatever happens in terms of who makes the squad, I think that England are going to be really competitive at the World Cup. The coaches are planning really well; everything is so professional and really well structured.”
He further added that his real focus is on making it into the finalised squad for which the games within the month of August are crucial. He also said that like everyone else, he is working hard also wants to be part of all 22 games of the World Cup.
Tags: