Kyle Eastmond ready to make roaring return for Bath Rugby after tough England ...

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Kyle Eastmond is ready to make a roaring return for Bath Rugby after putting a tough tour to New Zealand with England behind him.

The cross-code convert was singled out for criticism during the All Blacks’ emphatic 36-13 victory in the third and final Test back in June.

The world champions ran riot in the first half in Hamilton, scoring four tries without reply, and inside centre Eastmond was withdrawn at the break as England head coach Stuart Lancaster tried to stiffen up his midfield.

Former St Helens ace Eastmond was winning just a fourth cap at the time but says the experience has had no adverse effect on him.

Eastmond, 25, said: “In all genuine honesty I wouldn’t read a paper if it was good or bad, so I don’t know what was said.

“But it happens and you have to be emotionless about these things.

“It was a big game and we didn’t play great for 40 minutes, and that’s it. They took advantage and scored four tries.

“It’s not even that they’re the best team in the world, we at Bath will do that to teams at some point. It’s rugby and it happens. It’s nothing that worries me at all.

“I was one of the last back in for training over the summer but I’ve got a few weeks under my belt and am feeling good. I’m excited and can’t wait to start playing for Bath again.”

Lancaster handed Eastmond just a second Test start in the series opener in Auckland and he produced a solid showing as the All Blacks snatched a last-gasp 20-15 victory.

And despite copping the flak for the troubles of the third Test, Eastmond remains firmly on the Red Rose radar and was part of last month’s training camp.

“If you’re going down to New Zealand to take on the best team in the world and don’t relish that experience then you’re an idiot,” added Eastmond.

“Eden Park was great. We could have sneaked a win there but didn’t quite do it. It was a great Test match and I really enjoyed it.

“And it was great to be back in that camp last month, it’s a great set-up.

“I’ve learned so much at Bath but you always learn so much in such a short space of time in that environment. It’s invaluable, especially for a player like me.”

Article source: http://www.skysports.com/rugbyunion/match_preview/0,,11069_62474_1,00.html

Kyle Eastmond ready to make roaring return for Bath Rugby after tough England ...