Semesa Rokoduguni is targeting a first RBS 6 Nations appearance in the New Year and admits that England head coach Eddie Jones’ style has helped improve his game.
The Bath winger picked up his second England cap, two years after his first, in England’s 58-15 win over Fiji in November where he also scored two tries.
But he was not selected for his country’s next two games against Argentina and Australia, both of which were won, as England finished 2016 unbeaten.
Now, with the 2017 RBS 6 Nations very much on the horizon, the 29-year-old admitted he has plenty still to work on as he looks to impress the England head coach.
“Getting picked by England last month and wearing the jersey again meant I had been doing something right,” Rokoduguni told The Guardian.
“Eddie told me after the Fiji game that he wanted me to work on my defence and look to get involved when the ball was not on my side of the field.
“I enjoy working with Eddie because he is straightforward: when he is not happy with you, he tells you. You need that feedback if you are to become a better player; learn and move on.
“He talks with me about work-rate and defence, sticking with the defensive system, making decisions quickly, dealing with the high ball and making one-on-one tackles.
“He has brought clarity to England and that breeds confidence.
“Of course I would like to play in the Six Nations, but all I can do is put in the performances for Bath and let the international call take care of itself.”
And while the Bath man was made to wait for his second cap he is confident that he can put that disappointment behind him and make an impact for the Red Rose in 2017 as they look to repeat this year’s Grand Slam.
“I was injured after my first cap and when I played again I underperformed,” he added.
“It had a negative impact on my international career, but now it is up to me which is why I have to live in the present which this week means Exeter, a good side who will be a test for us.
“I am thoroughly enjoying it at Bath and we want to finish the year on a high against Exeter.”
