News

Armitage after regular England spot

December 01 2008

England may have been taught "brutal lessons" by the southern hemisphere superpowers but they also discovered something positive this autumn - that Delon Armitage has a future in Test rugby.

The London Irish full-back was propelled from outside England's senior squad - he was not included in the top 64 players selected by Martin Johnson in July - to start all four Test matches.

Armitage made an electric Test debut against the Pacific Islanders and was then an assured presence at full-back despite England's struggles against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

"What have I have learned? That I can compete at the top level whereas I had doubts before," he said.

Armitage could not eat before his Test debut because of nerves but he grew into the role of international full-back well as the month drew on.

He was solid under the high ball, often at the heart of England's best attacking moments and if his kicking from hands needs work, it is nothing Armitage is not prepared for.

"I am happy Martin Johnson and Brian Smith gave me a chance to put on an England shirt - and I want to the England number 15 for some time," said Armitage.

"They told me to go out and play the way that got me into the team in the first place and that is what I tried to do.

"But for me, getting there is not enough. I want to progress my game and get better and better.

"Now we have this break before the Six Nations I can go back to the club and work on all the things I need to in order to achieve that.

"We want to go into the Six Nations to win it. We want to be a force at Twickenham."

Armitage was one of four England debutants against the Pacific Islanders. Riki Flutey and Ugo Monye have also started all four Tests, while London Irish lock Nick Kennedy returned for Saturday's 32-6 defeat to New Zealand.

The New Zealand-born Flutey came up against his countrymen on Saturday and found himself in the unusual position of being against the haka.

Flutey's Maori credentials meant that he led the haka when he played alongside All Blacks captain Richie McCaw for the New Zealand U19 before pursuing a successful career at London Irish and then Wasps.

"It felt like they were doing the haka for me - seeing as I was the only Maori out on the starting pitch," he laughed.

"I have really enjoyed the experience of playing at this level. If we can create quicker ball then hopefully we can get a few more line breaks.

"After the game I went into their changing room and shared a water with them, because that is what we do as professionals nowadays!

"It was nice. I am disappointed in the result - it would have been nice to have a win over the boys - but they were happy for me.

"They know I didn't get a hell of a lot of game-time back in New Zealand and didn't really take my opportunities when I was given them."