Watson following Robinson example

Editor

Jason Robinson was one of England winger Anthony Watson's inspirations, he has revealed ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

The Bath youngster produced a step reminiscent of Robinson to beat Brice Dulin and score England's opening try against France a fortnight ago, finishing with two tries on the night.

He has since been named in England's World Cup squad, along with fellow wingers Jack Nowell and Jonny May, and will start alongside the latter against Ireland this weekend.

And with plenty of competition for places in the starting lineup for the tournament itself, Watson is eager to take every chance he is given.

"I'm looking to seize this opportunity with both hands. I've watched my tries a few times, I wouldn't say over and over because all that stuff doesn't really mean much unless you do it again," Watson told the Press Association.

"Performing at international level is about doing that week-in week-out and not having inconsistencies.

"All three wings have been going well. Jonny played particularly well in the first France game and showed what he can do in the second Test against France as well. For Jack to beat 10 defenders in Paris was a special feat.

"All of us are challenging each other and trying to make each other better.

"The first try was a bit of instinct and practice. Growing up I watched lots of Jason Robinson and Quade Cooper, guys who had good footwork. Just by watching them it rubs off.

"It's probably 50-50 – a lot of it is instinctive, but the more you practise it the easier it is to translate into instinct."