James Haskell wants to break into the England team – Rugby News Update
James Haskell, the 27-year-old England No.8 is gunning to become a regular for England during the tour of South Africa under Stuart Lancaster, the head coach.
Haskell has not played for England since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and is yet to make a bow under Lancaster, having immense respect for him as a coach for changing the culture in the England setup. He is to play against the South African Barbarians (South)
on Wednesday.
England is going to play two midweek games on the tour of South Africa, besides playing a three-match Test series against the Springboks. Every player in the 42-man squad wants to get into the starting XV for the test matches and Haskell dreams the same.
"We have the talent and passion, but it's those little nuances and mental stuff that we need. Like learning from other countries what they do well and speaking to other coaches," Haskell told
Supersport. "We can maybe not be so robotic. I've learned from Adam Thomson and Andrew h**e at the Highlanders that, bar knowing what foot they kick off and their basic pattern, they don't know anything about the opposition. They just worry about their
game plan. You can become caught up in talking about your opposition too much.”
Haskell has recently re-signed with the London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership because he wants to be part of the change under Lancaster. Prior to making a move back to the Premiership, the No. 8 played in Japan and then enjoyed a stint with the Highlanders
in Super Rugby. He has not had too many domestic games recently but is banking on his experience to get the nod in the starting team soon.
Haskell also stated that Lancaster wants to make England like the All Blacks, where no one is guaranteed a place in the team, and every member of the team is playing to keep the shirt.
Haskell made his England debut against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, on March 17, 2007. He has played 42 times for his country, starting 31 games and coming on as a substitute a further 11 times.
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