RU: Local lad Johnson's Twickenham dream
CHRIS JOHNSON is eagerly eyeing a first-ever dream appearance at the home of rugby union.
For the 22-year-old has again been chosen in the 22-man England Counties squad for Sunday’s big international against France at Twickenham – and he can’t wait!
Having sampled 20 minutes of the game against Ireland at Donnybrook in Dublin, two weeks ago, the Huddersfield Rugby Union club fly-half would dearly love to get a starting place against the French.
"I’ve never played at Twickenham before, so I really am looking forward to it and just hoping I might have done enough to get a starting place, although I won’t know that until tomorrow," said Johnson.
"We have a training session later today, and then two sessions tomorrow, during which the selectors will reveal the starting line-up and who will be on bench."
Against Ireland, Johnson had to make do with a bench role, but was brought on for the final 20 minutes of the second half, playing at fly-half, although he admits some of it passed him by.
"I found it quite tough to get into the game, because I’m not used to starting on the bench, and when I did get onto the pitch, it just went so fast.
"I was involved in several passing movements and managed to get a few kicks away, so yes it was a great experience, and now I’m looking forward to playing against France."
The match kicks off at 5.30pm and follows the main international between England and France, so the likelihood is there will still be a fair-sized crowd staying behind to support the England Counties side.
And Johnson is hoping that his South African teammate Barry Jacobsz can help the furtherance of his fledgling international career.
For the former Rotherham and Bradford & Bingley player, who has also won international honours playing for South Africa in Sevens’ tournaments, is now acting as a personal trainer to Johnson as well as a couple more of his Huddersfield teammates at the Heritage Health Academy in Lindley, where Jacobsz is the club manager.
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