International: England look for the Goode
times as they turn to Brive's fly-half
04 February 2009
Brive
fly-half Andy Goode has been named as England’s No 10 for
their RBS Six Nations opener against Italy.
Goode
was confirmed ahead of Toby Flood, who has a minor injury,
and after Danny Cipriani – who started at fly-half in the
November internationals – was dropped to the England Saxons
team.
England
manager Martin Johnson, a former colleague of Goode’s at
Leicester Tigers, said the Brive man’s inclusion in the
starting XV for Twickenham had been a straight forward
decision.
“He is
playing well. He trained very well with us last week and he
is an experienced player, who has been around a long time,”
said Johnson.
“Toby
had a bit of an injury last week. It was an easy call in the
end; he can train all week with the team and he is an
experienced player. All the guys are looking forward to
playing with him.”
Goode,
28, played the last of his nine England caps in November
2006 (against South Africa) but has been in prime form for
Brive this year and is currently the leading points scorer
in Top 14.
“It’s an
opportunity I always hoped I would get, it’s down to me to
take it now,” said Goode after his inclusion in Johnson’s
team.
“I’ve
broadened my horizons in France, I’m enjoying the lifestyle,
enjoying the rugby,” he added. “I had ten good years at
Leicester, I learnt a lot, but I’m in a different
environment now, picking up different things from different
coaches. I have the starting shirt on Saturday; if I don’t
perform to the best of my ability there are other players
snapping at my heels.
“For now
I’m the man in control, I have to point the team in the
right direction. I don’t know what the game plan was last
November, but people say my strength is game management,
when to run, when to kick.
“Brive has made me a more rounded individual.
I haven’t played with people like Riki Flutey and Danny
Care, but adjusting is what international rugby is about.
“In
France I’m encouraged to play heads-up rugby, play what you
see and believe in. I don’t see myself as having unfinished
business with England, but this is the start of a Six
Nations and, if I play well, I hope to keep the shirt. Rugby
is a simple game, it’s about the simple things done well.”
Goode
also admitted that moving to Brive had been the challenge he
needed after ten years with the Tigers. “I am out of my
comfort zone – I have to learn a new language and you have
to learn quickly on your feet there.”
In
particular he said Brive coach Ugo Mola had been
instrumental to his continued development this season.
“Ugo is
a very talented backs coach. We seem to be doing different
skills every day, different drills and hopefully that part
of my game has improved,” he said. “The coaches at Brive
give you confidence.”
Goode
will be joined in the England team by Steffon and Delon
Armitage, the first pair of brothers to play for the Red
Rose since Rory and Tony Underwood in 1995. Steffon is in as
a flanker with Delon continuing in his role as full-back.
England starting XV: D Armitage; P
Sackey; M Tindall; R Flutey; M Cueto; A Goode; D Care; A
Sheridan; L Mears; P Vickery; S Borthwick (Capt); N Kennedy;
J Haskell; S Armitage; N Easter.
Replacements: D Hartley; J White;
T Croft; J Worsley; B Foden; S Geraghty; M Tait; H Ellis.
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