Armitage wins against the run of play
Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:55
What a find: Delon Armitage
England may have had a humbling autumn experience against their southern rivals, but on the positive side, some of their newcomers certainly have a promising future in Test rugby, and none more so than Delon Armitage.
The London Irish fullback was propelled from outside England's senior squad to start all four autumn Test matches (he was not included in the initial top 64 players selected by Martin Johnson in July).
Nonetheless, Armitage had an electric Test debut against the Pacific Islanders, and was a solid performer at the back thereafter despite England's struggles against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
"What have I have learned? That I can compete at the top level whereas I had doubts before," Armitage told PA Sport.
Armitage admitted could not eat before his Test debut due to nerves, but gradually grew (convincingly) into the role of international fullback as the month drew on.
He was sound under the high ball, involved at the heart of England's best attacking moments, with perhaps just his kicking from hand still requiring work - although it is nothing Armitage is not prepared for.
"I am happy Martin Johnson and Brian Smith gave me a chance to put on an England shirt - and I want to the England number 15 for some time," said Armitage.
"They told me to go out and play the way that got me into the team in the first place and that is what I tried to do.
"But for me, getting there is not enough. I want to progress my game and get better and better.
"Now we have this break before the Six Nations I can go back to the club and work on all the things I need to in order to achieve that.
"We want to go into the Six Nations to win it. We want to be a force at Twickenham."
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