England center Jonathan Joseph is making the most of another chance to seize the international spotlight — spurred on by the disappointment of being overlooked for last year’s tour of New Zealand.
The pacy Joseph scored two tries in England’s 47-17 Six Nations rout of Italy on Saturday, adding to his maiden international try, which led England’s second-half fightback for victory over Wales in Cardiff in their tournament opener last week.
The fact that the 23-year-old’s two scores on Saturday came after he had been moved to the wing, part of England’s reshuffle after fullback Mike Brown’s early injury, just underlined the elusive runner’s versatility.
Photo: Reuters
Much was made of England’s inexperienced backline, and especially the midfield conundrum in the lead-up to the tournament, but Joseph’s impact has given coach Stuart Lancaster seemingly one less headache in World Cup year.
The Bath center, who has been compared in style to England great Jeremy Guscott, is making the most of his chance to impress, especially after his form dipped last season.
Joseph, first capped in 2012, was not among the six centers Lancaster took to New Zealand.
“I didn’t have great season, I’ll admit that. Injuries hindered me as well,” he said. “But it was realization that a lot of my friends were out there on the tour. It was a big squad that went out there and I wasn’t one of the boys. I did hurt. I had to reflect and come back strong. I didn’t expect to go, but when you hear the news, it always hurts.”
The upshot was that Joseph knuckled down and his sizzling performances for Bath this season made his case for selection “overwhelming,” Lancaster said
As for comparisons with Guscott, Joseph said he is trying to keep his feet on the ground.
Lancaster, who will have to ponder how he integrates Manu Tuilagi back into the centers when he returns from injury, said Joseph had made a huge impact.
“His confidence and his presence in the team have come on... He’s shown himself as a real leader which is fantastic,” Lancaster said.
In Saturday’s other Six Nations fixture, despite a late rally by France against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, it was the hosts who held on to record an 18-11 victory, with Jonathan Sexton kicking five penalties.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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