BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Simpson-Daniel off to a flyer



By Matt Majendie BBC Sport Online at Twickenham

It would be premature to suggest northern hemisphere sides are preparing to rule world rugby or that England, having beaten New Zealand and Australia, are clear World Cup favourites.

But one definite to have emerged from the last two weekends at Twickenham is that the English have yet another world-class talent appearing in their ranks.

I couldn't have hoped for a better time than these last two games

James Simpson-Daniel

Wing James Simpson-Daniel was singled out by coach Clive Woodward after playing a crucial role in Saturday's 32-31 win over the Wallabies.

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The Gloucester player was responsible for laying on the final pass for both of England's tries, which were finished off each time by Ben Cohen.

And Woodward insisted: "James needs to take as much credit as Ben or anyone else for that matter."

The first thing on Simpson-Daniel's agenda, though, is sleep.

"I was less nervous in the build-up to this game than the last, " he told BBC Sport Online, referring to his winning debut against the All Blacks.

"Then I spoke to the usual people before the game - my girlfriend, my mum and my dad. They all said I sounded different to how I was last week which made me worry.

"The nerves kicked in badly on Friday night - big time. I really didn't really get much sleep, so I'm beginning to feel it now."

England's Jason Robinson
Robinson is an admirer of Simpson-Daniel
Weighing in at just 12 stone, the 21-year-old is dwarfed by both his team-mates and opponents.

But he looked at ease taking on the likes of the bulkier Stirling Mortlock and Wendell Sailor in defence as well as running at players on the offensive.

Such is the impact of his efforts in the last two Tests, England full-back Jason Robinson hailed Simpson-Daniel as a "great player".

And it was noticeable that Cohen headed straight for his wing counterpart after the win to thank him for his efforts.

But Simpson-Daniel is taking everything in his stride, insisting: "I didn't really do too much. I just had to pop the ball into Ben's hands and he did the rest.

Photo Gallery: Twickenham action in pictures

"But that said I couldn't have hoped for a better time than these last two games.

If you shout loud enough you eventually get the ball

James Simpson-Daniel

"Some say maybe a Test against an easier nation would be better, but I've loved every minute."

Against New Zealand, Simpson-Daniel saw little of the ball. In fact, he had to wait until the 35th minute to touch it for the first time.

But it was a different scenario against the Wallabies.

And the reason for his increased input is simple.

"I was looking for the ball a lot more," he said. "I just had to make myself heard.

"If you shout loud enough you eventually get the ball."

The shouting will continue in earnest against South Africa next weekend.


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