James Haskell wants England to move forward – Rugby News Update
James Haskell, the 27-year-old England No.8 believes that his country has made major strides forward on the tour of South Africa, following the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and 2012 Six Nations Grand Slam.
England lost the series 2 – 0 after drawing the final test at Port Elizabeth 14 – 14. They had earlier tasted defeated at Durban and Johannesburg, but avoiding a series clean sweep against the formidable Springboks is a major step in the right direction
for England.
Haskell, who will be returning to the London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership for the next season, made a return to international rugby in the third test. He has been impressed by the team performance, and believes that it is never easy to defeat a southern
hemisphere opponent especially in their backyard. There are certain changes that the team needs to make, especially in the offensive side, and they need to do more going forward.
He said, "We have got the physicality and the ability to finish. We have just got to be a bit smarter, get the likes of (Chris) Ashton and Manu (Tuilagi) running through holes rather than at people."
After his stint in New Zealand, playing in Super Rugby, Haskell has expanded his horizon and he wants to inculcate a different ethos in the team, which he believes Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England is already doing.
"In terms of culture and character, this has helped as well," said Haskell. "You can look back and say that in the heat of the battle, in the fire of Port Elizabeth, we came together and we didn't take a backward step."
"We didn't have the polish we wanted but we were certainly positive. Every time you take to the field you gain a bit more knowledge about what it takes to win in international rugby.”
With England poised to play the Springboks in the autumn again this year, this tour will help them prepare better. Haskell will be hoping to add to the 43 caps he has earned and start more games.
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