Corbisiero keen to answer any call

England's Alex Corbisiero practises during a training session in Dunedin last week. Photo by...
England's Alex Corbisiero practises during a training session in Dunedin last week. Photo by Reuters.
When one door closes, another opens. That applied to English prop Alex Corbisiero yesterday as team-mate Andrew Sheridan was ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup.

The English camp confirmed Sheridan, the hulking veteran of 40 tests, was heading home after suffering a recurrence of a left shoulder injury.

That has left Corbisiero ready to hop into some large front-row boots when England plays Georgia in Dunedin this weekend.

"I'm just waiting for the opportunity to get involved in this World Cup," Corbisiero said in Queenstown.

Although coach Martin Johnson has not yet named his starting side for Sunday's clash at Otago Stadium, it is a safe bet to say the 23-year-old prop of Italian heritage will pull on the jersey in seconds if given the chance.

"When an opportunity does come - this may or may not have sped it up - I'll be ready to take it and I'll have to make the most of it."

Corbisiero has six tests to his name, weighs 116kg and stands at 185cm, and the weight of English fans on his shoulders isn't something he finds too intimidating, as long as it's shared.

"The responsibility is going to fall on all of us as a pack, as a front row."

Johnson has Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Matt Stevens and David Wilson available for Saturday's second pool B match, against Georgia.

Corbisiero, at his first World Cup, said he had always looked up to Sheridan, and the team would be sad to see him fly home so quickly.

"I think it's very unfortunate for him. He's a world-class player and a big hero of mine going through the years.

"I think the squad will miss him but we've just got to get on with it now and keep going forward as a team in this tournament.

"He's obviously helpful. I wouldn't say it was an under-his-wing thing. It's mutual respect and he is more than useful to talk to and help me out. He's a great guy."

Corbisiero said he had been relishing some time out, enjoying some outdoor recreation Queenstown has to offer.

"It's been really nice. The scenery is incredible.

"I had a nice day on Monday. I went up in helicopter rides into the mountains, did a bit of jet-boating and went to a ranch and saw a bit of sheep herding and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

Johnson and team management sparked criticism this week when they allowed the players to take part in such "extreme" activities, so for now Corbisiero is laying low.

"It's nice to have a change of scenery, but it's down to business now."

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