Joe Simpson: Back to his best
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Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson is ready to work hard to regain a place in the England squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
Simpson scored a superb individualistic try in Wasps' 34-15 win over London Welsh which is a timely reminder to England coach Stuart Lancaster of his ability.
The Wasps number nine won his only England cap during a group match against Georgia at last year's World Cup but missed England's tour to South Africa earlier this year due to a shoulder injury.
Since then he has dropped down in the England pecking order behind Danny Care, Ben Youngs and Lee Dickson.
"There are a lot of good nines out there and they are playing for the top teams in the Premiership which gives them a good platform," Simpson told the Telegraph.
"I believe that the team I have got here and the pack I have got here are fantastic and that we can challenge anyone on our day. That's something I'm very happy with.
"I'm pleased with the coaches that I have got around me and they are pushing me in the right direction. I am desperate to get back in an England shirt.
"It's the pinnacle for every player and I know that this is a very important time in my career.
"I could very easily fall away but I am desperate to work as hard as I can and go the extra mile to put myself into contention."
Comments
ArmchairGeneral says...
Nice depth developing for England in several positions. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15. So much at 15 I want to see 3 of them start at 11,14,15 in 6 nations. Simpson is a good bench option as wing cover as well. I'd rotate Youngs and Care but keep Simpson as 2nd on bench. Care for bashers like the Boks. Youngs for players like Oz. Care: Italy Ireland. Youngs: France, Scotland. Wales is last game so the best for that one.
Posted 11:26 01st January 2013
Honestpom says...
England are lucky to have two superb and potentially world class nines in Youngs and Care but if this guy remains injury free he could be better than both of them.
Posted 10:21 01st January 2013
Centre12 says...
No doubt a talented player, but with Care & Youngs (possibly Dickson) in front of him and with all there experience he will be very lucky to get a look in, he is also very injury prone so quite a big risk.
Posted 03:20 01st January 2013
sirtidychris says...
Very good scrum half but a string of injury problems have left him down the pecking order, with danny care and ben youngs both world class options he will have to wait for injury to strike those ahead of him before he gets his chance as thats generally how lancaster does things. If he then takes his chance such as Alex Goode has in Fodens absence then selection gets interesting!!!! as coaches always say, they are good problems to have !!!
Posted 19:34 31st December 2012
Lucasrg says...
Very enthusiastic 9...he could easly play for England, but Danny Care atm is my favorite. Not too sure about Youngs.
Posted 18:32 31st December 2012