Youngs wants the shivers

Ben Youngs.
Ben Youngs.
Ben Youngs is happy to provide some backline spark for England but he would rather do it with a starting jersey on his back.

Youngs, the highly-rated halfback, gave a taste of his enterprise with a dashing cameo including a match-winning try against Argentina at Otago Stadium in the opening round.

The 22-year-old missed all three of England's warm-up games, so will be fresh for England's next two games in Dunedin and then the crunch end of the tournament.

"I think I've been fit and ready to go for a couple of weeks now."

"It's sport... I've had my highs and I've had my lows but it makes you a better player and a stronger player."

Youngs was impressed with the atmosphere at Otago Stadium and hoped it would be the same for their next few games there.

"You have shivers down your spine, especially in the weekend. I thought the Argentinian fans were fantastic, and if that doesn't get your blood pumping I don't know what will."

Youngs said his team expected the giant Georgians to come out very physical this weekend, but said the English they had weaponry of their own in the backline.

"In games, there's a time for playing and there's a time for being conservative and playing for territory. If we get the ball in the right areas against Georgia we will certainly chuck the ball around."

Although All Blacks selectors haven't yet made it clear who they rate as their first-choice halfback, Youngs said he thought they were fortunate to have three world-class players at their disposal.

"The All Blacks are lucky in having the luxury of being able to swap their halfbacks around. I think Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu . . . and the Crusaders guy, Andy Ellis, is a good half as well.

"I rate all of them, to be honest. I think Andy Ellis is a very good nine. You've only got to look at the guys who missed out.

"I think Jimmy Cowan has probably got the shirt at the moment, especially with his second time at a World Cup. I doubt he will give it up too easily."

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