Payne 'extremely excited' for Bok clash
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:54
Tim Payne insists he is ready to seize his chance to shine in the eagerly anticipated clash with South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 29-year-old London Wasps prop was announced as the replacement for injured loosehead Andrew Sheridan yesterday afternoon.
Payne will be winning his ninth cap but making only a second England appearance at Twickenham, 18 months after contributing to England's 26-18 win over France in the 2007 RBS 6 Nations.
He's also keen to build on his two most recent outings after winning good reviews for his performances on the summer tour to New Zealand.
"I'm extremely excited," Payne said.
"It's not the first time I've been in this position and you've just got to keep your head down and get on with it.
"When something like this happens and someone gets injured you feel sorry for them but you've got to take your chance.
"I had a good time on the summer England tour. I know things didn't go all that well overall but I felt I did well on the pitch and I enjoyed it.
"I've been around this squad for a while, know the set-up and I'm familiar with what we're trying to do, so I'm looking forward to the challenge.
"It'll be the first time I've played against South Africa. They're always a big, tough, aggressive side and I can't wait to start against them."
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