Jonathan Joseph relishing his first start – Rugby News Update
Jonathan Joseph, the 21-year-old London Irish winger who is equally adept at playing in the centre, is set for his first international start, when England play South Africa on Saturday, June 16.
England currently trails their hosts, the Springboks, 1- 0 in the three-match series. They are playing the second match of the series at Ellis Park, where South Africa has only lost once in 10 years and Joseph believes he is the person that England should
turn to.
Joseph made his international debut last week against the same opponents, coming on as a second-half substitute, but impressed Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England, enough to give him a rare start in only his second international bout.
Lancaster’s hand has been forced by injury, as Brad Barritt had to undergo a minor eye op that will keep him out of the squad, while Mike Brown has gone home after injuring his hand during the game last week. Joseph will move into the centre alongside Manu
Tuilagi, who has been shifted inside to the number 12 position.
Both the players know each other from their time with the Under 18s and have been communicating during practice sessions to build a rapport.
"Manu has worked on that and he's been great this week," Joseph said. "The way he plays he can draw players in and there'll be space out wide."
He further added, "We ran everything and everything came off. It's not going to be like that this time - there are going to be fewer opportunities - but we're comfortable with the way we play off each other."
Joseph will come up against Jean De Villiers, the 73-time capped Springboks Captain, and is the least bit fazed by his formidable opponent.
"It'd be pointless being on the pitch if I wasn't going to give it a real go," Joseph said. "I'm just going to stick to my game and hopefully it'll go well.”
England will be desperate for a win on Saturday, as a loss would mean that the Springboks clinch the series, but Joseph is keen to make sure that his country comes on top.
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