Sport : Rugby Union

JOSEPH NOT SCARED OF SPRINGBOKS

15th June 2012, 02:44pm

Joseph: Looking forward to the challenge

Joseph: Looking forward to the challenge

Jonathan Joseph has no fear as he prepares to make his full England debut in the hostile atmosphere of a Johannesburg Test match.

After a brief taste of the action in England's first Test loss to South Africa in Durban last week, Joseph will make his first start as England attempt to level the series in the African nation's largest city.

The task England face at the ground formerly known as Ellis Park - now Coca-Cola Park - is a daunting one with the Springboks having lost just once at their spiritual home in 10 years.

England have also lost eight successive Tests to the South Africans but Joseph, the 21-year-old London Irish centre, is relishing the contest ahead.

He said: "It'd be pointless being on the pitch if I wasn't going to give it a real go.

"I'm just going to stick to my game and hopefully it'll go well.

"I'm looking forward to the defensive challenges as well as the attacking opportunities.

"They're big boys but I'm ready to challenge them. I'm looking forward to it, I want to go out there and prove a point."

Joseph will start at outside centre with Manu Tuilagi, who occupied that position last week, moving inside to take the number 12 shirt.

Joseph believes his partnership with the powerful Tuilagi, also 21, is a potentially exciting one that can trouble the Springboks.

He said: "Communicating is a massive part of the game. Manu has worked on that and he's been great this week.

"The way he plays he can draw players in and there'll be space out wide.

"We've got pace there and also the option of Manu crashing through the middle as well.

"I played with Manu at under-18s and with all the boys at under-20s as well.

"At under-18 level we were a very strong side - I don't think we got beaten.

"We ran everything and everything came off. It's not going to be like that this time - there are going to be fewer opportunities - but we're comfortable with the way we play off each other."

Joseph has enjoyed being part of head coach Stuart Lancaster's new-look England set-up.

Lancaster has revived spirits since last year's World Cup and mood has remained good in the camp despite last week's loss.

Joseph said: "I'm happy with the way he's going about it. He's not afraid to throw the young boys in.

"I think I'm ready for the challenge. It should be good."

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