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Page last updated at 11:55 GMT, Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Flanker Hendre Fourie living the England dream

Hendre Fourie
Fourie replaced Lewis Moody with 14 minutes remaining

Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie is determined to win more England caps after making his debut in the defeat against New Zealand.

Fourie came off the bench to replace the injured Lewis Moody and is hoping to be in contention to face Australia.

Fourie told BBC Radio Leeds: "If you didn't want to play more of that then there is something wrong with you.

"Now I've made my debut I think if I'm included against Australia I'll be even more confident."

The South African-born back-rower qualified through residency for England last year and went on to play for the Saxons last season.

That led to his inclusion on England's tour of Australia in the summer.

However a calf injury suffered in their opening warm-up match meant Fourie missed the reminder of that tour.

It feels like I am going to wake up any second now and come out of this great dream. So as long as I keep sleeping then it will be fine and the dream will continue.

Hendre Fourie

Despite missing the whole of pre-season due to the injury and playing in a struggling Leeds outfit, Fourie has managed to keep his international ambitions alive.

Fourie explained: "It was awesome to make my debut. I was very nervous when heading to the stadium. But once you are in the changing rooms and strapping up then it started to feel like a normal game.

"It was very enjoyable once I got on and I want more of that now. The crowd was awesome. It's the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of and they created so much noise.

Just two seasons ago Fourie was playing in the Championship with Leeds and he admits his quick rise from that to international rugby has taken him by surprise.

"I can't fathom it really. Something I sit on my bed in the hotel and think where am I, what am I doing.

"It's just so surreal to me and just means so much to me to be here. It's unbelievable.

"I would take a start anywhere and against anyone for England, but if it was against the Aussies this Saturday it would be amazing."

Fourie's chances of gaining that first start have increased due to the head injury sustained to captain Lewis Moody.

Whether he starts or not, the flanker is determined to play his part on helping his side beat Australia.

"As a team we know it is about winning. Rugby is a confidence game, so getting the first win against Australia at the weekend would be a big boost for the team and make the unit even stronger.

"The game against New Zealand was the first time we've played together as an England team since June, while Australia and the All Blacks have played lots of matches during that time.

"So for the first game I think we did really well. Now we have found our feet and bonded and gelled much better as a team.

"You saw that in the second half against New Zealand, so now it's onwards and upwards for us."



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see also
England 16-26 New Zealand
06 Nov 10 |  Rugby Union
'Fairytale' bow for Leeds flanker
07 Jun 10 |  Leeds
Fourie to go to World Cup - Back
04 May 10 |  Leeds
Fourie signs new Leeds contract
02 Mar 10 |  Leeds
Fourie honoured by Saxons call-up
05 Feb 10 |  Leeds
Fourie available for England call
08 Sep 09 |  Leeds


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