In which case, Youngs had to pull himself together in time to hear brother Ben’s inclusion as the replacement scrum-half – meaning both these Norfolk farmer’s lads have exceeded the achievement of father Nick, a short-lived England scrum-half of the Eighties.
Tom was actually a good enough centre to represent England from under-16 to under-20.
He was already 21 when the decision to change position was made.
“The main thing was playing as many games as I could for Nottingham, 60 over two seasons,†he said.
“And I loved it. I remember ringing my dad and saying I didn’t really mind if I didn’t make it back into the Premiership as I was loving playing hooker. Because I enjoyed it so much I committed to it all the more. I have never regretted the decision at all.â€
When you consider Richard Hibbard and Rory Best have spent a lifetime in Wales and Ireland wearing No2, an awful lot of knowledge had to be crammed into Youngs’ apprenticeship.
Today, Hibbard will be the one waiting to take Youngs’ place when Lions coach Warren Gatland decides his time is up.
“As a hooker you have so many jobs in the team – the set piece, carrying, tackling, stealing the ball,†said Youngs.
“You have to be another back-row player really.
“The scrums are hard, remembering at exactly what point to do which thing so that it becomes second nature. I’m going to go as hard as I can for as long as I can and then, when my engine runs out or the coaches feel it’s right to pull me off, Richard will come on. He’s a great player and he’ll do well.â€
He is also a reminder of the tough competition Youngs faces, not to mention the fate of an England predecessor Lee Mears on the last Lions tour.
Mears was pulled off during the first Test, replaced by Hibbard’s Welsh compatriot Matthew Rees and hardly seen again.
Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-last-gasp-strockosch-try-seals-scotland-win-143031413.html
Tom Youngs back at the centre of attention
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