Hello Ruckingballers

Ashy here again, and with only 4 days to go until Le Crunch everyone in the England camp is desperate for that first ruck, I can assure you.

Training has gone well this week and both of our half backs, Floody and Benny Youngs, have been impressing all with their speed and tempo, crucial aspects of our current style of play. They’ve not been impressing anyone with their banter however, which is very poor. Floody in particular, who talks more than anyone I’ve ever met!

We’ve got a few surprises up our sleeves for Saturday, and again, as I said last week, me, Cuets and Fodes will be looking to hit that midfield channel off the set plays, going deep to wide, and at pace. Pace is the real key- hit the line at speed and have faith in the pass. Luckily we’ve spent enough time together now to have built up the trust to do that, and I go back to what I said last week about it feeling more like a club side than a scratch international side. That’s truly how it feels and that’s at the core of our current success.

On the subject of the half backs, I see that it’ll be a real key battle area on Saturday. Morgan Parra is an exceptional player, stronger than he looks, great footballer as all French 9’s are, and always looking to dart around the fringes. Trinh-Duc is more of an English style outside half. He likes to control and probe with the boot and is very strong in organisational skills. I reckon Toby and Ben have the skills to edge it but we’ll see.

I’ve been told by the boys that the other key match up is the front rows. However, my knowledge of that is too thin (pun intended!) to possibly comment, so I’ll leave that one to other experts! I’d back Dan Cole in an ‘eat-off’ though!

Personally, I’m relishing the battle against Maxime Medard. I rate him highly and I’m quite surprised it’s taken him so long to nail down a place in the French side. He’s explosive, clever and a handful. Typically French in his style, in that he’s pretty unpredictable, but I’ve watched him closely and I’m aware of what I need to do.

Lastly, one of the Ruckingball boys was asking me about this reputation I’m getting as the joker of the side. I said it’s news to me, but if that’s the case, put it down to the level of comfort and teamship in the camp. It’s taken me a little time to settle in, but we’re all getting on so well and share the same goal, that of being in a winning England side. It’s a great environment to be in and long may it last.

Here’s to a win on Saturday and thanks to all at Ruckingball for having me.

Ashy