David Strettle refuses to give up on playing for England at 2015 Rugby World Cup

“I have been involved with England for the last seven years and I know this

time around Stuart has said to myself and other players that they are

looking to see what the younger lads can do in the shirt,” he said.

“Stuart has also said that he is planning for the World Cup and he feels that

if he doesn’t look now then he will also wonder ‘what if’. As a player you

respect that. He has explained that the door is definitely not closed.”

While Watson and Charlie Sharples will line up for the Saxons against the

Ireland Wolfhounds at Kingsholm on Saturday night, Strettle has the perfect

opportunity to show Lancaster what he may be missing when Saracens face

Currie Cup champions Natal Sharks earlier on Saturday at Allianz Park.

The Sharks’ squad boasts 12 Springboks including Odwa Ndungane, who will go

head-to-head with Strettle in a clash of the hemispheres that will not be

lost on the officials from the six unions attempting to thrash out a deal to

salvage the Heineken Cup next season.

Saracens, despite having an LV Cup match against Newcastle on Sunday, have

named a strong side to face the Sharks. Former England captain Steve

Borthwick will lead the side from lock alongside Mouritz Botha, while Matt

Stevens, Schalk Brits and Richard Barrington form a formidable front row.

Neil de Kock and Charlie Hodgson form the half-back pairing while Argentina

centre Marcelo Bosch plays alongside Michael Tagicakibau.

“We have got a great game on Saturday and I am very lucky to be involved in

such a contest,” Strettle said.

Article source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/thomas-regional-rugby-is-dying-29948211.html

David Strettle refuses to give up on playing for England at 2015 Rugby World Cup