Ben backs Dylan on big day
Ben Foden says Saints team-mate Dylan Hartley will 'throw down the gauntlet' and take his chance to shine for England against Barbarians at Twickenham tomorrow.
With first-choice hooker Lee Mears away with the British & Irish Lions, Hartley has been handed his first start for England against the Baa-Baas.
After nine substitute appearances in Tests, Hartley finally gets to show what he can from the start and he will be aiming to make the No.2 jersey his own for the two Tests coming up against Argentina.
Although the clash against the Barbarians is a non-cap international, it will still be a big day for Hartley.
And Foden, who will also get his first start for England on the right wing, said: "Dylan deserves to get a start.
"He has been superb for Northampton throughout the year and I feel he was a little unfortunate not to get more game-time during the Six Nations.
"But now he has the opportunity with Lee being away, and he will be throwing the gauntlet down.
"I talked to Dylan at the Saints and like every rugby player you want to be starting every game on the field and finishing it on the field.
"It has been frustrating for him with England but he hasn't let it affect him, as his performances for Northampton show.
"All he can do is keep playing as well as he is and then put his hand up for selection, and when his chance comes like it will this weekend he needs to play well and put in a performance that will give him the No.2 shirt."
Foden is also aiming to take his chance, and he admits his recall to the England squad is a relief after being ignored by boss Martin Johnsson after making his debut as a replacement in the opening Six Nations match of the tournament against Italy.
"It is a bit of a relief," admitted Foden.
"I would have liked to have been involved in the Six Nations more, but I trust the decision of the coaches.
"They gave me their reasons as to why I wasn't involved, and said they wanted to have a more experienced scrum-half on the bench, and Delon (Armitage) was playing so well at full-back.
"So I could understand their choices, and there was nothing wrong with that.
"All I could do was keep playing well for my club and hopefully do enough to get back in the squad, which I have done."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
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