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English staying tight at Rugby World Cup

Roar Guru
22nd September, 2015
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England have moved to ensure the divide that emerged between their squad at the 2011 Rugby World Cup won’t be an issue in the 2015 tournament.

A clear split emerged in four years ago between the players in the team and those who were relying on injuries to get a start, however reserve flanker, James Haskell, says it won’t be an issue in this tournament as they look to overcome the ill-famed pool of death, which also includes Wales, Australia and Fiji.

“It’s difficult for me to comment about 2011 because I was playing a lot, so I did not have that experience. Now for the first two games I’ve been with the shoe on the other foot,” he said.

“I’ve made sure – and the coaches have too – that there is no separation between those boys.

“We’ve got a really good set of guys here who are all waiting to take that opportunity, but are very positive when they don’t get the call.

“When we came together we talked about the importance of the 31 and the boys all being in it together, even the guys that missed out.

“If someone you see naturally being disappointed, the boys are pretty swift to put an arm round and bring him back into the mix.”

While unlikely to be named to play Wales on Saturday, the 30-year-old has continued his whole-of-squad approach by acting as opposition players in training recently.

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“So far in this camp I’ve been Ireland, France and Fiji. We haven’t got as far as coloured bibs yet, but we’re not far off,” Haskell said.

“Every week there is a role to play – but I won’t be putting on my (Wales captain) Sam Warburton mask!”

“Wales are a world-class side who are very physical and they will relish the opportunity to come to Twickenham.”

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