Alex Goode back to fight the good fight

As Bath and Northampton are the only two others with two wins, tomorrow’s game will be an examination of Goode’s enhanced speed, strength and power.

“We have started the season brilliantly with our two bonus-point wins, but we know how tough Bath are and that they too have been winning,” he said. “It’s quite a test for us, and for them, and I’m very lucky to come into a team playing so well.

“We know the importance of finishing strongly, but there’s no shame in winning early. We have successfully integrated new lads like James Johnston and Billy Vunipola.”

Goode still has only 11 caps since the South Africa tour of 2012 and it is less than a year since Lancaster made him England’s first-choice full-back ahead of Ben Foden and Brown. The shoulder injury goes back to that autumn series 10 months ago.

At the time Goode was playing in the knowledge that at some stage he would have to have the problem dealt with.

“I knew I would have to have an op at some stage,” he said. “This was the best time to get on with it and the best way to minimise the amount of rugby I missed.

“No doubt there is some credit in the bank for certain players who haven’t been forgotten.

“But every player is made aware by Stuart that reputation doesn’t mean anything. We all know what is much more important is what we do week-in week-out right now.”‘I am here to battle for my England place’

Article source: http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-breaking-news/9750/england-u20-name-team-for-jwc-opener/

Alex Goode back to fight the good fight