Knight worry about being pitch perfect
Japan move would end lock’s England career
GEORGE KRUIS is weighing up the biggest decision of his rugby life – knowing next week’s Wales game could be his last at Twickenham for England.
Kruis is a key cog in the Saracens machine but with the club needing to slash its wage bill ahead of enforced relegation he is believed to be considering a move to Japan.
Under Rugby Football Union selection rules, players plying their trade overseas cannot play for England.
Kruis, 30, is set to win his 45th cap a week today and described his impending decision as “tough, but exciting on all fronts”.
The Lions lock added: “It is a good opportunity, whatever I decide to do. If I stay it’s an unbelievable
DANNY CIPRIANI led an emotional tribute to his former girlfriend and close friend Caroline Flack as Gloucester wore the words “Be Kind” on their shirts in last night’s Premiership match at home to Sale. Love Island host Flack took her own life earlier this month and fly-half Cipriani was supporting the #BeKind social media campaign. Sale won the match 23-17.
HEATHER KNIGHT is wary of unfamiliar surroundings and a lack of practice time ahead of England’s crucial T20 World Cup clash with West Indies.
England’s back-toback victories in Canberra against Thailand and Pakistan mean that a win over the Windies in Sydney opportunity and if I go it also a great opportunity.
“This is something I need to sit down and think about once we have finished up the Six Nations.”
England are blessed with strength in the second-row department, with Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury and Charlie Ewels having all featured in this Six Nations. But no side happily gives up a player of Kruis’ calibre.
Jamie George, his teammate for club and country, said: “George is one of the hardest-working players you will find.”
However, he says when Kruis first rocked up at Saracens the senior players mistook tomorrow will confirm their place in the semi-finals. But Knight’s side have never played at the Showground and will have only one session there before the match.
Captain Knight said: “It will be a slightly different venue
MOMENT OF TRUTH: George Kruis has some big decisions to make is in Sydney – we are expecting a slightly slower pitch to face West Indies’ spinners on. We won’t have much practice but, in T20 cricket, it’s just about trying to keep the momentum going when you can.”
Knight followed her maiden T20 century with a classy 62 before spinners, Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone, combined with Anya Shrubsole to complete a 42-run win over Pakistan yesterday. Glenn added: “Everything is really positive now.”
MAGIC SPELL: Spinner Glenn