Flak from Eddie means you’re rated, Turner tells Slade
MISFIRING England hopeful Henry Slade should wear criticism by Eddie Jones as a badge of honour, says Exeter’s Aussie winger Lachlan Turner.
Slade was recently chastised by Jones for failing to apply enough pressure to incumbent England playmakers George Ford and Owen Farrell.
The 23-year-old failed to add to his two caps on England’s summer tour of Australia, prompting questions over his Test prospects, but Turner told
The Rugby Paper: “If Eddie’s not giving you a bit of flak, I’d question what you’re doing wrong!
“If Eddie’s talking about you it’s definitely a good thing and copping flak from him is almost like a backhanded compliment.
“Henry’s been going well but not getting wins in our first two games meant it was easy for people to point the finger at him, but I think he’s tracking well and he’s stepping into that role as a leader.
“We haven’t seen the best of Henry Slade, right, but it’s definitely coming and I know he’s going to get plenty of games for England. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and can certainly make the step up.”
Having overcome a slow start, Turner is convinced last season’s Premiership finalists have the squad depth to go one better.
He said: “We’ve got a rather large squad compared to the rest of the competition and that’ll put us in good stead.
“You’ve only got to look at someone like Harry Williams, who in round one started ahead of four international props, then in midfield we’ve got Henry, Ollie Devoto, Sam Hill and Ian Whitten, who could all easily step up to international level.
“It’s the same across the board and although we can’t look too far ahead, this club has set its goals around winning silverware.” In 2010, 15-cap Turner earned the unofficial title of being Australia’s fastest footballer after completing 100m in 11.00 seconds before a broken leg in 2013 brought his Test career to a halt. “I’m not as fast as I was but when I have to open up I think I’m still good enough,” said Turner. “We’ve got some quick boys here in Olly Woodburn, James Short and Jack Nowell so there’s plenty of competition, but I’ve started the season pretty well and I’m enjoying the challenge of getting into the side.”
Turner believes Premiership sides are now a match for teams Down Under and would love to see a World Club Challenge.
He added: “Most Premiership teams would do well in Super Rugby – that’s how highly I rate it here. If they found a window for a World Club Challenge it would be brilliant.”