Bates enjoying grooming job
Steve Bates has described the Churchill Cup as “a vital step” for players with ambitions of full England Test honours.
Steve Bates has described the Churchill Cup as “a vital step” for players with ambitions of full England Test honours.
The England Saxons squad arrived in Canada on Monday after seeing Leicester wing Tom Varndell and Wasps centre Dominic Waldouck receive late call-ups for the senior tour to New Zealand.
And Saxons Head Coach Bates believes their promotion – they replaced injured Wasps wing Paul Sackey and Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss – sends out the right message.
“It's great to see Tom Varndell and Dom Waldouck get called up to New Zealand,” Bates said.
“Our role is to fill spaces above, and we wish them the very best.
“I hope more players get the chance – it is something to celebrate and it shows the system is working. It shows players that playing well here is the vital step to get to the next level.”
Six of the Saxons starting line-up that defeated New Zealand Maori in last year's Twickenham final were selected to tour New Zealand, including Sackey, Danny Cipriani, Olly Barkley and James Haskell.
And this summer's tournament could see another sizeable contingent head off on the pathway towards senior recognition, with Bates' current crop featuring players like Ben Foden, Matt Banahan, Chris Robshaw, Tom Guest and Jordan Crane.
There are unexpected opportunities, meanwhile, for Leeds wing Tom Biggs and Saracens centre Adam Powell, to press their claims as late replacements.
“Tom came to Italy with us (during the Six Nations). He did well there and showed he is someone who can make a lot of impact – he's a gifted player,” Bates added.
“And Adam has done a good job for Saracens. He is a young player who is coming through in the Guinness Premiership.
“It is important that we manage the players carefully. Some of them played at the weekend, and some haven't played for a couple of weeks, so they will be keen to run around.
“We don't need to do too much, it is about giving the players a framework in which to play.
“We are not necessarily trying to make them better individuals, but to create a structure to make sure we get the best team performance.
“We believe in their ability, rugby sense and willingness to help each other. All we can do is prepare as thoroughly as possible in the time we have.
“We undoubtedly have talent, and if we perform to our collective abilities, then we must be considered a strong side.
“But then tournaments like this are renowned for upsets, so we've got to make sure our performances are strong, and I think we can be reasonably confident.”
England kick off against the USA in Ottawa on Saturday, then head to Toronto for an appointment with Ireland A the following weekend.
Finals day is in Chicago on June 21, with the tournament line-up being completed by Scotland A, Canada and an Argentina XV.