Sam’s out to curry favour with Eddie
Neil REPORTS SAM UNDERHILL has not enjoyed the best of luck with injuries but he times his return for Bath just right today.
If Eddie Jones’ mind is made up in many positions then the No7 England shirt remains a live contest.
And with Sale’s Tom Curry making a good impression in the summer series defeat in South Africa in Underhill’s enforced absence, the Bath tackling machine is back in the role of challenger.
The advantage he has is that while Curry is playing second-tier Challenge Cup rugby over the next fortnight, Underhill – whose try-saving challenge on Scott Williams saved England’s bacon against Wales last season – will be on main stage in the Heineken Cup.
“It’s probably one of the best competitions in the world to play in, we’re very lucky,” said Underhill, who will face a Toulouse back row that includes ex-All Black Jerome Kaino at the Rec today.
“This weekend will be a big occasion. That lends itself to the excitement and intensity of the game. The Challenge Cup is obviously a different
Competition brings out the best in players
competition but, having said that, coaches can still find what they’re looking for in a player performance-wise, irrespective of the comp.
“Everyone will be looking to have a good weekend.
“Form is going to be quite important. You want to put your best foot forward and all you can do is look after your own performance.
“You just have to throw yourself into it.”
Underhill is two years Curry’s senior but still only 22; theirs could be a rivalry that extends for the next decade.
“I hope so because it would mean we were both doing well,” added Underhill.
“I was quite frustrated to be injured at the tail end of last season and to miss the England tour but it happens so you can’t dwell on it.
“I was at home cheering on the boys. I’ll always be an England fan whether I’m playing or not.
“I thought Tom went really well in South Africa. For his age he’s a very mature player. He’s very capable.
“Competition is a good thing. You need that to bring out the best in players. That’s why good players become good players because they have to compete with those around them.”
It does rely on their bodies holding together playing in a position that takes a
battering. Underhill played only eight matches for Bath last season because of injury and is just back from another two-game lay-off with a bad shoulder. “Injuries are an occupational hazard. A lot of the time they’re luck of the draw,” said Underhill, speaking at a Land Rover event. “But after a disappointing year for my club last year I’m keen to put that right.” Bath are one of the select 11 teams to have conquered Europe – in 1998 – but without three Lions in Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Taulupe Faletau stand as outsiders to progress to the knockout stages from a group which also contains Leinster and Wasps. “If people write you off it can be a motivational factor,” said Underhill. “We’re all aware of what we think we can achieve. I think we’re capable of an awful lot.”
The match against Toulouse, a 1pm kick-off, will be screened on terrestrial TV as well as BT Sport, with Channel 4 showing one match per round this season.
Underhill was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, official vehicle partner of Bath Rugby. @LandRoverRugby.