I've been really impressed by how few collapsed scrums we've had. We've really focused on not collapsing or making early hits. If you do that with 10 minutes left in a Test match it could potentially lose you the game. I'm happy to play wherever I can get picked for England.
It is a familiar cry but, in Stevens's case, the ability to play on both sides is a serious bonus. Johnson, who seeks adaptable, mentally tough players in his final 30, will be keen to discover if the uncapped Manu Tuilagi and Charlie Sharples are comfortable at international level.
Sooner rather than later, he must also rule whether the more senior likes of Simon Shaw and Riki Flutey still have enough lead in their pencils. Four years ago, in the equivalent fixture, England beat Wales ; the visitors, who also name their side on Thursday, will field a stronger XV on this occasion. That should ensure a more satisfying contest for the paying public but Stevens, on the bench in , simply yearns to be part of the chorus again.
Why England's warm-up show is a hot ticket for resurgent Matt Stevens. Martin Johnson's selection will have special resonance for the prop who has bounced back from the dark days of his drug ban. England's Matt Stevens knows there is nothing like a spell in exile to make a man appreciate what he once took for granted.
Reuse this content. Around 20 teams usually compete over six weeks, with a pool stage and a knockout stage. The winner and runner up of each pool then enter the knockout stage, in other words, the quarter and semi-finals, before proceeding to the final. This thrilling competition has taken place all over the world. If you want to be part of the action and hear the crowd go wild, make sure you check out the latest information on the StubHub website about dates and locations for the next World Cup.
Buy your Rugby World Cup tickets here as soon as they are released to secure the best seats. While we all know and love the six nations championship the tournament between England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy that started back in , there was no real global rugby union competition until In the inaugural tournament that was jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, New Zealand defeated France in the final to become the world cup's first champions.
Inevitably, you can dine well on seafood too, in the restaurants laced around the Vieux Port Old Port — the thick fish stew that is bouillabaisse originated in the city and is very much a speciality. There are plenty of bars for a drink too — particularly on Place Jean Jaures, where the evening runs on late. Hand-picked accommodation across a range of properties We have carefully selected a range of hotels across standard, budget and superior to ensure you have the greatest flexibility and choice when it comes to selecting the package that is right for you.
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