Six Nations
Flood gets England nod
2009-02-26 08:05
Email | Print
London - England's Toby Flood believes his pre-season move to Leicester Tigers will help prepare him for his latest attempt to make the key position of flyhalf his own.
Flood's inclusion in the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin was the only change announced by manager Martin Johnson to the team that lost to champions Wales last time out.
It means England will be making their seventh change at number 10 in their last 10 Tests - a run that encompasses five players.
The 23-year-old Flood, who has come off the bench in a swap with Leicester predecessor Andy Goode will be winning his 24th England cap but making only his 12th start for his country and just his fourth at outside-half.
Since Danny Cipriani ousted Jonny Wilkinson at the end of last year's tournament, the Wasps fly-half has started four times, Goode and Flood twice and Charlie Hodgson once.
Flood was unavailable for England's opening game against Italy after suffering a calf injury but came off the bench in Cardiff to replace Goode, who had been sin-binned early in the second half.
Flood, also a centre at Newcastle, where 2003 World Cup hero Wilkinson, when fit, was the first-choice stand-off, said he had gained much from playing at Leicester, Johnson's former club.
"Being in the Leicester environment is a tough one. You have to mature quickly and there is not really much room for a mistake," said Flood after Johnson announced the side at England's hotel on Wednesday. "Being in that environment has allowed me to improve my game.
"Jonny achieved a lot in his career - Grand Slams and World Cups - and England played in a fashion which allowed the players to express themselves.
"This team has a great deal of potential and it is about putting in performances like we did against Wales, but to come out on the right side of the scoreline."
Two years ago, Flood sat on the bench at Croke Park as England suffered a record 43-13 loss to Ireland.
"I didn't get on which was a blessing, the way it went," Flood recalled.
"It was my favourite Six Nations game because of what it was. Never mind the result, just the occasion. But we must win this time. We can't be drawn into the whole atmosphere and the occasion."
Flood missed a kickable penalty late on in the 23-15 loss to Wales which, had it gone over, might have put the visitors on course for a comeback win at the Millennium Stadium.
"It is difficult when you miss kicks and I was obviously annoyed by it," said Flood, up against hugely experienced Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara on Saturday. "It was frustrating but you have got to get over it quickly."
He added: "O'Gara is a fantastic player. We're going to be up against a good kicking game from someone who manages the game very well. His game management is up there with the best in the world."
Johnson meanwhile said he was encouraged by Flood's recent Test displays.
"Toby's kicking game has been very good when he has come on, his defence has improved as has his grasp of what we are trying to do in attack and his distribution has been good," he said.
"We have seen a bit more composure from him this season. This is a chance for Toby to come in and get a start."
Johnson captained England to World Cup glory in 2003 when the injury-prone Wilkinson filled the key role of number 10 and the former lock is keen for someone to establish a similarly secure hold on the shirt.
"You want players to nail down the position. We need a core of players who when we pick the side are consistent in international rugby," said Johnson.