ENGLAND v WALES SATURDAY, TWICKENHAM, 2.30:NOT EVERYONE likes warm-up internationals, regarding them as a barista would a cup of instant coffee. The general public, though, seem not to care, with an 82,000 sell-out crowd expected at Twickenham for Saturday's game between England and Wales.
For Matt Stevens, in particular, this looms as a fixture of huge significance. When, like Stevens, you have not tasted Test rugby for two- and-a-half years you appreciate anything placed in front of you.
Today’s England team selection, therefore, has special resonance for the prop who has bounced back impressively from his much-publicised two-year drug ban. The dark days spent waiting tables in the Bath cafe he owns with Lee Mears – when it comes to coffee Stevens is an expert – and piecing together his shattered self-esteem following a positive test for cocaine are now behind him.
No one on either side, debutants included, will be as grateful to be involved. The prospect of a 33rd cap is as sweet as any of the previous 32, as the 28-year-old admits.
“Given the circumstances surrounding my comeback, there’s more to celebrate, definitely,” he says softly.
Having become the father of twins, moved to London and untangled areas of his life which were a mess, he feels a better person as well as a happier one. He looks pretty similar but, mentally, the difference in the player who last featured as a replacement against the All Blacks in November 2008 is colossal.
Gone are the petty superstitions he used to cling to, including the white bootlaces and headguard.
“It is to my mother’s and girlfriend’s complete disgust, but I just wanted to try it out. It was something I’d done since school and you get into a habit. But now I’ve decided to drop all the superstitions and not to have any kind of crutch. I just get on and play the game.”
Whatever the catalyst, the results speak for themselves. Stevens has played 16 times this year for Saracens and England Saxons, and has finished on the winning side on each occasion.
Martin Johnson has retained all seven of his props in the 40-man squad he will cut to 30 on August 22nd, but Stevens’ form in the Churchill Cup, plus his ability to pack down on either side, make him a certainty for New Zealand.
He does not care which side of the scrum he operates on either.
“I’ve played a lot more at tighthead but I’ve played most of this season at loosehead. I’m happy to play wherever I can get picked for England.”
The team announced today will be led by Lewis Moody, with Danny Care poised to replace the injured Ben Youngs at scrumhalf.
Four years ago, in the equivalent fixture, England beat Wales 62-5; the visitors, who also name their side today, will field a stronger XV on this occasion.
Guardian Service
