Jonathan Joseph to start in the second test – Rugby News Update
Jonathan Joseph, the 21-year London Irish winger, who is equally adept at playing in the centre, is set to make his first start for England against South Africa at Johannesburg.
England is currently touring South Africa, where they are playing the Springboks in a three-match test series, along with two other midweek games. Joseph made his England debut against South Africa in the first test, coming on as a substitute, but having
been left out of the midweek squad against the South African Barbarians (South), he is expected to earn his first start.
England lost the first-test and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in the second. They have a few injury concerns, with Mike Brown having already left the team to recover from a hand injury he sustained during the first test. Brad Barritt is also
an injury concern, as he had to go through a minor eye op, post the first match.
This has opened up the place for Joseph to earn a start, and he has been described as a player that has the 'X' factor. His pace in the dying minutes of the first test earned Ben Foden a try. Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England reserved special praise
for him.
“Getting JJ on gave us a little spark that ignited a try,” said head coach, and he further added, “This is a tour to win games, clearly, but it’s also a tour to look at players and options."
Mike Catt, the former England player and currently working as a backs coach with the team, has worked with Joseph before, and he believes that he can give England that little edge.
“JJ is special, he creates something out of nothing,” Catt said. “His footwork is phenomenal and his ability to do things at pace creates space for others.”
"He hardly ever make an error, which is what distinguishes a great player from a good player. And, no, I’ve not saddled him with the Jerry Guscott tag because that’s something he’s going to have to cope with.”
England will want some confidence before locking horns with the home team on the weekend.
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