Tom Wood up for playing against the “big names”

Will Tom Wood be chosen to face France in the Six Nations?It could be one of Martin Johnson’s most difficult decisions thus far as England’s rugby manager. Whether to bring his Skipper, Lewis Moody back, or to stick with the new kid on the block Tom Wood who has had a very impressive two matches for England already.

France are up next and although Moody only managed a 25 minute run out for Bath at the weekend, it is highly expected that Moody will replace Wood in the back row. However the 24 year flanker is happy to be part of the set up and is looking to play some part in Saturday’s crunch fixture.

Talking to Skysports, Wood said.

“There is lots of competition in the back row now – and you are never going to avoid that, you’ve got to just make sure you are training well and giving the best account of yourself and leave the coaches to pick the team.”

It would seem unfair to remove a player when they have justified their inclusion in the 1st XV with solid performances but playing France is what Tom Wood sees as a chance to be playing some of the best rugby forwards there are.

“This is exactly what it is all about, playing in the big games against the big names, the in-form guys. This is where you can make your mark and start to build your own reputation if you play well, so it is definitely a challenge I look forward to, obviously we don’t know what the team is going to be yet but I would love the chance to play in that kind of game, especially when it is at Twickenham.”

Whilst Wood see the French XV as a team that can threaten from one to fifteen he confirms there will be no complacency, whether Wood or Moody will be the man facing the French at kick off, is something only Johnson will be the first to know.

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