Published: Wednesday, 5th November, 2008 13:00
England clash awash with Exiles
By John O'Sullivan
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TWO of London Irish’s brightest stars are set to make their England debuts amid a host of familiar faces at Twickenham on Saturday.
Versatile back Delon Armitage and lineout specialist Nick Kennedy have been named in the starting XV against the Pacific Islands after impressing for the Exiles this season. And the autumn international opener will have more than a tinge of Irish involvement about it as former Exiles Paul Sackey and Riki Flutey have been selected in the England back division, marshalled by ex-Director of Rugby Brian Smith.
The Reading-based side’s Samoan sensations Seilala Mapusua and Sailosi Tagicakibau complete a mouthwatering Irish-packed line-up.
Armitage has played most of this season at centre, but a magnificent performance at full-back against Sale last month has seen him given the nod by Martin Johnson at 15. It marks a dramatic turnaround for the player who was not even included in the England Saxons squad two weeks ago.
A delighted Armitage said: “At the start of the season I wanted to be involved with England and I’ve worked really hard to get into the squad.
“All you do, in the Guinness Premiership and in the EDF Energy Cup, is down to trying to get into the England squad, so to do it as early as this having been left out of the 64 originally in the summer is something I’m really pleased about.
“Working with Brian Smith has been brilliant because I know exactly what he wants from me. He wants us to play an attacking game and to get the ball in our hands. I understand exactly how he wants me to play.”
In contrast to Armitage, Kennedy has been in the Elite squad since last summer’s tour of New Zealand, but he has had to wait patiently for his chance to stike up a dream second row partnership with skipper Steve Borthwick.
The pair are regarded as the best lineout operators in the Guinness Premiership, with the Exiles man leading the way with 88 claims last season.
Kennedy said: “I’m very proud to be getting my first cap at Twickenham. I’m really looking forward to Saturday and am getting very excited – the majority of my family will be there watching me.
“I’ve been working hard for London Irish and have been striving to play for my country. I’ve played against Steve Borthwick for the last few years. I’ve got a lot of respect for Steve as a player and as a leader – it’ll be good to be on the same team as him for a change.”
Irish head coach Toby Booth feels the duo’s call-up is fully deserved because of the way they have applied themselves this season.
He said “We’re delighted that Delon and Nick will make their international debuts on Saturday. None of us at London Irish are surprised at their selection.
“Delon is a fierce competitor who has been among the most consistent players at the club for three seasons. He has also worked hard at improving his skills and fitness to an international level. He became a dad earlier this year and I think that has helped to settle him down.
“Nick is one of the finest lineout specialists in the country. He is an integral member of the most consistent second row combination in the Guinness Premiership and is also a powerful scrummager who is hard to stop with ball in hand.”
And the England pair have been in touch with their Samoan teammates. Tagicakibau revealed: “I spoke to Delon and there was a lot of banter in that conversation. Hopefully he won’t get his hands on me on Saturday though.”
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