Ashton aims to be England's saviour
Northampton Saints flyer Chris Ashton is aiming to pull England out of the doldrums with his blistering try-scoring form on Saturday night.
England boss Martin Johnson finally bit the bullet yesterday and will give the Guinness Premiership's hottest property his England debut against France in the final Six Nations game.
Ashton will be joined in the England back three by team-mate Ben Foden as Johnson looks to add some Saints sparkle to his faltering side.
England have scored just two tries in their last three games and the 15-15 bore draw against Scotland has finally persuaded Johnson to call up Ashton who is the Premiership's leading try-scorer with 12 tries in 14 games.
Ashton, who has played just 23 Premiership games since switching codes three years ago, is aiming to carry on that try-scoring form for England.
"Hopefully Ben and I can do what we do at Northampton, bring that into the team and create some tries," he said.
"If anyone makes a break I will get there as fast as I can. Providing there is a try in it I will get there!"
Ashton came into his second year in the top flight with Saints wondering if he still had a future in the 15-man game.
After a record-breaking first season in National League One saw him run 41 tries, Ashton was dropped in his first season in the Premiership, scoring just one league try.
But the time out allowed him to learn the nuts and bolts of the union game and he has been in blistering form scoring 19 tries this season.
Ashton turns 23 in 11 days and he admits his rapid rise this season has taken him by surprise.
"I didn't even think I would get this chance so I am taking every opportunity that comes my way," said Ashton.
"It has been a massive learning curve for me this year. To come into the England camp and learn off the players around me is what I have waited for."
Ashton will replace Ugo Monye on the wing, with the Quins star dropped after being stretchered off against Scotland following a bad clash.
It means Ashton will miss this Sunday's LV= Cup final, with Saints losing two of their first-choice back three for the clash against Gloucester, along with captain Dylan Hartley, who retains his place at hooker.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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