ENGLAND and Harlequins scrum half Danny Care says that the disappointment felt by the England squad after their RBS 6 Nations loss against Ireland in Dublin should stand Martin Johnson’s side in good stead come the Rugby World Cup in September.

Care came off the bench in the 45th minute in Dublin, but was unable to halt the Irish charge as the hosts ran away to a 24-8 win, ending England’s Grand Slam aspirations in the process.

“If we had won the Slam then some people may have put our name on World Cup trophy without us even playing a game,” Care said. “So looking back, I think it’s a good thing that we have felt that disappointment and we should be able to learn a lot from that.”

The 24-year-old Quins No. 9 comes head to head with international teammate Ben Youngs this weekend at the Twickenham Stoop for the visit of Aviva Premiership champions, Leicester Tigers. Care says that the competition between the pair spurs him on to better himself and he can’t wait for the game on Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Ben’s the guy who has the shirt at the moment and you always want to play against your rival. If I can play my part and help us win the game then I’ll be very happy.”

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Also on this week’s Podcast:

Ready to rumble – IRB head of communications Dominic Rumbles talks us through the decision to move RWC games from Christchurch to Dunedin in New Zealand

Round 6 for 7s – England Sevens Head Coach Ben Ryan gives us the insight from within the Sevens camp as they prepare for the Adelaide leg of the HSBC World Series

Climbing the Hill – Worcester Warriors Head Coach Richard Hill says that it’s important to peak at the right time in the Championship play-offs