Rugby: Barritt centre of attraction
Rugby: Barritt centre of attraction
Rugby: Barritt centre of attraction
Brad Barritt will become the latest import to try to make England's inside centre position his own when he lines up against the New Zealand Maori in Napier on Wednesday.
Shontayne Hape and Riki Flutey have both made the journey from New Zealand into England's midfield since Martin Johnson took over as manager in the summer of 2008.
Barritt is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Mike Catt, who was also born in South Africa and finished his playing career this season as hero of the English game.
England V South Africa Hospitality
The powerful Saracens centre has been on Johnson's radar since moving to the Guinness Premiership in 2009 and he joined the England squad on Friday after receiving a late call-up.
Johnson has billed tomorrow's game as the unofficial third Test of England's tour and it will be a proud moment for the Barritt family when he runs out at McLean Park Stadium.
The 23-year-old does not see England's red rose as a badge of convenience.
"Both my grandparents are English and my grandfather played for English universities at fly-half. He has always wanted me to play for England," said Barritt.
"I can understand the debate because people want to see guys who have come through the system.
"I have strong English roots and a lot of my extended family, aunts and uncles live in England. I haven't just chosen a country and moved over there.
"I actually attended an England Under-19 camp shortly after school. I was very close to joining Bath University.
"A few of the guys like Dom Waldouck and Shane Geraghty were at that camp, so I have known a few of these guys for a while."
Johnson is looking for his inside centres to blend a direct and powerful running game with the ability to kick and distribute as a second receiver. Barritt believes he can fit that bill.
When he was originally overlooked for the 44-man tour squad, Saracens boss Brendan Venter blasted the England coaching staff for deeming him "too small" for Test rugby.
England V South Africa Hospitality
England's attack coach Brian Smith was quick to refute the claim and, at 6ft 1in, Barritt is three inches taller than Olly Barkley, who he has replaced in the midweek team.
Barritt put the spat down to a misunderstanding and having only arrived from the Saxons squad on Friday, his focus is on impressing Johnson when he lines up opposite All Black centre Luke McAlister and a dangerous Maori back line.
"I don't want to get caught up in all the words but it is nice to have a coach who backs you as a player. I am very grateful for that," said Barritt.
"It was a breakdown in communication I think but it is all water under the bridge now.
"I was told I was unlucky not to be here in the first place and this is a great opportunity for me to put forward my cause going into the new season. Getting into the elite squad would be the idea.
"The coaches have shown a lot of faith in me by putting me straight into the team and I want to repay that with a good performance.
With wings Matt Banahan suspended and Ugo Monye injured, Chris Ashton is pressed into action again just four days after scoring in England's Test victory over Australia in Sydney.
Corporate Hospitality Group offers England V South Africa hospitality packages for Autumn Internationals. Buy England V South Africa hospitality packages at official Corporate Hospitality Group.
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/rugby-barritt-centre-of-attraction-2711371.html
Kiev Main Attractions Appealing Barcelona Attractions Wondrous Vienna Attractions Dubai Attractions Explored Global Views of Leadership Attraction Historical Attractions Add To Monterey Experience Attractions in Whitefield, Bangalore – The Hub of India's Silicon Valley Best Places of Attraction in Basel That Are Hard to Miss Most Important Attractions To See In Bucharest The Colors Of Fes And Its Main Attractions If You Are Texting a Girl and Doing This - You Are Killing Her Attraction The Holy City Of Vatican And Its Most Important Attractions Attractions to Look for in Devon