Webber backed to shine
February 02, 2012 11:17:34 UK
Kiwi Joe Ward has backed fellow hooker Rob Webber to be a permanent fixture in the England side as the London Wasp prepares to make his debut from the bench.
Ward and Webber were team-mates at the High Wycombe-based outfit, and competed for the front-row spot for the past few years.
It's good that Stuart Lancaster brought in some new blood, and Webs epitomises the fresh young talent that I think can go a long way.
Joe Ward
But since the New Zealander's departure from Wasps, the 25-year-old has produced a series of impressive performances to earn himself a call-up up to Stuart Lancaster's Elite Player Squad.
And although compatriot Dylan Hartley looks set to start against Scotland on Saturday, Ward believes Webber can go on to earn 50 caps. England are 1.80 to win the clash while Scotland can be backed at 2.20. A tie is available at 21.00.
"It's always hard to make those sort of predictions but he's got the ability. Him and Hartley, I would like to see them really go for that top spot," he said.
"(George) Chuter's been there for the past few years but with him getting on now, it's good to have a couple of young blokes there giving it a good fight.
"We were best mates down at Wasps. Thankfully, he didn't listen to anything I said and now he's made the team!
"He's got tiny, tiny legs and a bigger upper body. We call him 'The Stalk.' Obviously, a stalk's got a big, fatter upper body and tiny, little legs, but he's good hard player, aggressive, good scrummager, accurate in the lineout and he gets around the track really well.
"It's good that Stuart Lancaster brought in some new blood, and Webs epitomises the fresh young talent that I think can go a long way."
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