Rejuvenated prop Matt Stevens has hailed the ‘bright sparks’ from England Saxons as they prepare for the Churchill Cup final against Canada – and praised Worcester Warriors ace and fellow front row partner Matt Mullan.
Front row duo Stevens and Mullan combined to destroy the Tonga front row in the last game at Gloucester as England were awarded three penalty tries.
The focus now switches to Sixways this Saturday as the home of the Warriors hosts three international games in one action packed afternoon.
And Stevens is confident Mullan, who has returned to full fitness after an injury hit season in the RFU Championship with devastating impact, and the rest of the England youngsters can impress again.
“There is a lot of competition for places at the moment – it’s about performance week on week,” Stevens told the RFU Podcast. Canada have a good pack and they will have watched the Tonga game and they will want to make a difference, so we can expect a tough test.
“A number of players have impressed me and Matt Mullan is great on the loosehead, he was dominant against Tonga.
“My club team-mate Mouritz Botha has also played superbly and come through and scrummed well and put in a huge defensive effort.
“We’re very lucky because we have some experience in the likes of Topsy Ojo but also some real bright sparks. [Gloucester centre] Henry Trinder has played superbly and we’ve got a bit of dynamism there. I’m hoping for another big performance and for people to keep on putting their hands up for England.
“The Churchill Cup has been good for young guys who have not played international rugby before to be blooded,” he added.
“Club and country are two different animals. You can never compare the two, it is a different thing, so it is important to get that feel again and it is a chance to be watched by the international selectors.
“We will face a very difficult and well drilled Canadian team who will be very much up for it. We have got to deal with that.”
Tickets for the Churchill Cup remain on sale from the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or by clicking HERE.
Tickets are just £15 for adults and £5 for children for three games of top class international rugby with England Saxons, Canada, USA Eagles, Italy A, Tonga and Russia all in action from noon.