YOKOHAMA LATECOMER BEN CAN BE ENGLAND’S BIG FISH

Spencer flew in to Japan yesterday, will be on the bench for Saturday’s final and could be an unlikely hero like Kiwi Donald, who was angling for whitebait when he got the call-up in 2011

NEW arrival Ben Spencer has been told he has the chance to become a World Cup hero – like Stephen Donald. Saracens star Spencer landed in Tokyo yesterday to replace injured scrum-half Willi Heinz, who pulled a hamstring in England’s epic 19-7 semifinal win over the All Blacks.

With only two scrumhalves in the squad, it means the 27-year old, who has yet to start an England match, will go straight onto the bench as back-up to Ben Youngs for Saturday’s final against South Africa.

It is an identical scenario to that of All-black Donald, who missed out on selection, then received a late call-up whilst out fishing.

The fly-half was a replacement for the 2011 final, coming off the bench to kick the winning penalty that beat France 8-7, in Auckland, to secure the Webb Ellis

Trophy. Spencer was greeted on arrival at England’s Disneyland hotel by head coach Eddie Jones, who drew a parallel between his situation and that of Donald, eight years ago.

“He’ll have a shirt that fits him, so that’s one difference to Donald,” Jones quipped. “And he hasn’t been whitebait fishing, so that’s another!

“It’s a great opportunity for the kid and he’s excited about it. He has come into the squad and has to learn a few new things.

Willi and Benny

Youngs will help him with that.

“The task ahead of him is no different to any other player. He has to learn a bit more in the early part of the week and get physically and mentally ready.”

Jones revealed Heinz (above), who featured in all five of England’s tournament matches so far, was distraught to learn injury had robbed him of his big final chance.

“Willi has been a great contributor, a very well-liked member of the squad, and he was in tears in the dressing room,” Jones said. “It’s tough for him, but he’s now collected himself and knows he’s got another role to play, and he’ll fulfil that role well this week.”

That role is to help bring Spencer up to speed with plays and moves – a considerable task in five days, given he has not featured for England since the Six Nations in March.

“We always said to those guys outside the squad of 31 that they need to be ready – and Ben is ready to go,” Jones added. “He has been in and around the squad for the last couple of years, so he knows the game and players. He is a fit guy and just fits in quite readily.”

If Youngs were to go off injured in the first minute, Spencer would be thrown in at the deep end opposite South Africa’s most influential player, Faf de Klerk.

“Faf is a busy nine,” said Youngs. “He likes confrontation in terms of getting in your face in defence, and a huge amount goes through him in terms of his kicking game. So he’ll be pivotal to how South Africa play.”