Sharks flyer targeting Six Nations debut in Paris
CROSS-CODE convert Denny Solomona still regards himself as a Rugby Union rookie but would love the chance to continue his education in the cauldron of Paris next week.
The 24-year-old Sale star reminded Eddie Jones of his sensational finishing with a hat-trick against Northampton yesterday and must be close to breaking his way back into the England team for the crucial game against France, especially after the side’s below-par performance against Scotland.
“The reason we train so hard is because everyone wants that jersey, it’s never cemented and selection is always up in the air so it’s up to you personally to do your best in training,” said the two-cap winger.
“The France game would be a great one to make my Six Nations debut in.”
Solomona is confident England will deliver the right result whether he is in the team or not.
“I’ve got no doubt we’ll get the job done. The boys are resilient and we’re not the type of team to dwell on things.”
The Auckland-born ace enjoyed a memorable introduction to Test rugby on last summer’s tour of Argentina, six months after he crossed over from Rugby League, but has not featured since under Eddie Jones, due to a combination of competition for places and disciplinary reasons, despite being a member of the Six Nations training squad.
Solomona, who has just signed a new fouryear deal at Sale, knows his place in the England pecking order.
“I’m happy to bite my tongue and do my time and just make sure that if I do get a shot I take it,” he said.
“England have three Lions wingers – Anthony Watson, Elliot Daly and Jack Nowell – and Jonny May, who are all worldclass. To be honest I’m not too fussed to be behind them, because they are all Lions players for a reason. I’m happy sitting at the back being a fly on the wall and learning from them as I’ve been playing the game professionally for a year and a bit.
“To learn the things that I have learnt over the last three to four weeks has been amazing. Mostly it’s been around mental preparation, especially in training, and how to be a leader in your area of expertise.
“Mike Brown
(below) has taken me under his wing and shown me a lot of things in the back field in terms of how to position yourself well and he has taught me a lot about being under the high ball.
“It is different taking a high ball in Union than it is in League. In League, you get up for the high ball and try and fall straight to the ground but in Union you try and catch the ball going forward and accelerate into contact.”
Solomona says the past month has been invaluable to him. His try double against Bath last week ended an eight-game tryless run in the league and took his scoring ratio to one try every other game.
He added: “I didn’t play four weeks before our home game against Saracens (on February 16) and I think training instead of playing has done me good, it’s freshened me up physically and mentally.”