Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
watch listenBBC SportBBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Monday, 20 November 2006, 07:34 GMT
Goode poised to get England start
By Mark Orlovac
BBC Sport at Twickenham

Andy Goode celebrates victory against South Africa
Goode won his eighth cap for England at the weekend
England coach Andy Robinson could be forced into changes for Saturday's second Test against South Africa.

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson and prop Andrew Sheridan are both major doubts after being stretchered off in the first Test win on the weekend.

Andy Goode is favourite to replace Hodgson after a controlled display when he came on just before the break.

"It is my job to step in the 10's shoes and control the match, that is what I tried to do," Goode told BBC Sport.

"It is no different to any other game.

"We were kicking loosely at times and it was my job to get the ball off the field and it went reasonably well for me."

Goode's tactical kicking from hand was a steadying influence as his side battled their way back from 18-6 down to defeat the Springboks 23-21, a victory that ended England's run of seven straight defeats.

The 26-year-old Leicester player, who turned down professional cricketing terms with Warwickshire when he was 16, has only made two starts for his country but says he has no difficulties in adjusting to the pace of the game.

"We are professional players so coming off the bench is something we have to do," he said.

The Springbok team is littered with great players

Andy Goode

"As a 10 on the bench you are reading the game anyway.

"If the team go into a line-out you think what would you call if you were on, and you are always watching to see where the holes are in the defence.

"When I am on the bench I sit by our head coach Andy Robinson and I talk through our attack with backs coach Brian Ashton.

"And when I go on I try and slot into that position."

Goode insists that the tense nature of England's win supports his view that South Africa are a team to be reckoned with in the rematch next weekend.

"South Africa are a very physical side," he added. "We had a lot of bumps and bruises in the changing room.

"In attack they did not threaten us as much as New Zealand did but they are a dangerous outfit.

"They scored a great counter-attack try from one of our loose kicks and winger Bryan Habana is one of the best finishers in world rugby.

"The Springbok team is littered with great players.

"But we will go away, reassess how we played and change our tactics and hopefully come out firing with a good win."

If Sheridan fails to recover from an ankle injury, Robinson could either recall Perry Freshwater, who started against Argentina, or give try-scoring hero Phil Vickery his first Test start in more than a year.

SEE ALSO
Pundits on England
19 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
Johnson calls for Robinson exit
19 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
Vickery keen for Robinson to stay
19 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
Robinson lauds England composure
18 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
England player ratings
11 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
England 23-21 South Africa
18 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
England 18-25 Argentina
11 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
England 20-41 New Zealand
05 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

BBC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails | Mobiles | Desktop Tools | News Feeds | Interactive Television | Downloads
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

Help | Privacy & Cookies Policy | News sources | About the BBC | Contact us