Fit-again Shaw gives Johnson a boost
FIT-AGAIN Simon Shaw handed England manager Martin Johnson a timely boost yesterday by rejoining the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand at Twickenham.
The 36-year-old Wasps lock linked up with the squad at their Pennyhill Park base after recovering from the foot injury which ruled him out of the start of the season.
Shaw was joined at the Surrey camp by Bath prop David Flatman, who trained with the squad last week and he is back involved as cover for Tim Payne at loose-head prop.
But with 52 England caps to his name, it’s the inclusion of veteran Shaw which comes as a bigger boost to boss Johnson, especially in the wake of his tremendous performances for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa this summer.
Indeed, he is now expected to walk straight back into the side for Saturday’s showdown with the All Blacks to add steel to an otherwise depleted forward pack which is failing to make an impact at international level. Lewis Moody aside, the pack put in another drab performance in the 16-9 victory over Argentina, and the inclusion of 6ft 7in Shaw gives Johnson that extra ball-carrying option and ability to break up the All Blacks’ forward play come Saturday.
Shaw just missed out on recalls for the internationals against Australia and the Pumas, while, at the same time, completing his recovery for Wasps in their LV Cup victories over the last two weekends.
Gloucester prop Paul Doran-Jones, who made his Test debut off the bench against the Pumas, remains with the squad, although Bath tight-head David Wilson continues to undergo treatment on a neck and shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, one of the players most criticised on Saturday, Ugo Monye, insists he can bounce back for the All Blacks game – if given the chance.
Standing in at full-back, the Harlequins back was regularly caught out of position and was guilty of a number of mistakes. But he admitted: “Things just didn’t go my way and I have to bounce back stronger.”