Harlequins wing on finding form at just the right time for autumn
IN-FORM Harlequins wing Marland Yarde has revealed how the presence of England defence guru Paul Gustard at club training sessions is giving him the best possible chance of featuring in the upcoming autumn internationals.
With injured wide men Anthony Watson and Jack Nowell unlikely to feature, pace ace Yarde is in line to deputise having started for England in June victories over Wales and Australia.
An impressive display against Northampton last week underlined Yarde’s defensive improvements while Gustard was on hand at Quins’ training ground last Tuesday taking an active role in running through some drills.
Yarde, 24, told TRP: “As a winger defence is massively important and it’s been huge having Paul Gustard coming down to club training as well as being at England camps.
“Gussy’s a great coach and he’s been working closely with our own defence coach, Nick Easter. To have two superb coaches like that, with all their vast experience, is helping Harlequins and guys like me to become better players.
“I had a hamstring injury over the summer so it was a bit of a slow start for me, but I’ve been feeling a lot sharper and am playing much better, so the last few weeks have gone pretty well from that perspective.
“I was happy with my performance against Northampton and defensively I’ve made a lot of improvements. I’m much more comfortable under the high ball and my positioning has improved so I can make more tackles.”
Gustard’s influence is clearly bearing fruit, with Yarde explaining: “Gussy’s trying to integrate different parts of England’s defensive system and the Quins coaches ask his opinion on what improvements we can make.
“Last week’s visit was all about kick pressure, how we exit and how we can use being in our own 22 to best effect and put teams under pressure in their 22.
“It’s about using his knowledge and if that helps us win two or three turnovers in a game, it gives us better counterattacking opportunities.”
Yarde’s immense workrate against Saints overshadowed Wales wing George North – a well timed effort in front of Eddie Jones that boosted his chances of starting against South Africa.
“It was great to be involved with England over the summer,” Yarde said. “I’ve been in and around the England team for a few years now, but they were my first games since 2014.
“Being part of that first England squad to win in Australia was huge and I was excited about that, but I don’t want to rest on my laurels. It’s been a great start under Eddie but now it’s all about pushing on and succeeding further.”
He added: “When you get opportunities you have to take them with both hands and I’ll be ready to step in against South Africa if Eddie thinks I can do the job.”