England Saxons face Portugal at Edgeley Park tonight, and captain Phil Dowson believes their talented backline is ready to run amok.
Leicester wing Tom Varndell joins Bath’s Nick Abendanon and Saracens prospect Noah Cato in an exciting back three, in a Saxons side with an average age of 22.
Newcastle number eight Dowson was awarded the armband by coach Stuart Lancaster as the England youngsters look to stake their claim for recognition in the senior set-up.
“We have a very talented group of players,” said Dowson.
“We want to play fast, running rugby. We have so much speed and talent out wide, plus the exuberance of youth.”
Dowson reports Lancaster’s players have bonded together in training this week – and he is confident they will gel on the field too.
“Creating a team often takes time, but we’ve already got a great environment,” said the Falcons man, who has been in outstanding form this season.
“We enjoy each other’s company, and that’s important in creating a strong and cohesive game plan in a short space of time.
“It’s a great chance to meet and learn from other players and coaches.
“Everyone’s out to impress, but we all know that the best way to show what we’ve got is to pull together as a team and keep it simple but effective.”
Varndell and Harry Ellis, Jordan Crane and Dan Cole form a quartet of Leicester players in the team – but Lancaster is looking for all of his men to impress.
The former Leeds Carnegie coach said: “This is a team based on potential for the future – and that’s very much what England Saxons, and this game especially, is about.
“It’s a great opportunity for a lot of young, talented players to put a marker down on the international stage.”
Dowson added: “Portugal are not to be taken lightly – they have a lot of experience in their squad and plenty of motivation, with their World Cup qualifiers coming up.
“The importance of the game is not lost on the younger players coming through, but we have to focus on ourselves and getting our game right. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
