Francis determined to finish rollercoaster season on high
PIERS Francis believes a rollercoaster campaign with Northampton will stand him in good stead for England’s upcoming tour of South Africa.
Saints playmaker Francis could emerge as a key figure against the Springboks, having been called in late for injured midfielders Ben Te’o and Cameron Redpath.
Francis, below, who impressed on last year’s tour of Argentina and has three caps, told The Rugby
Paper: “It’s a huge honour to get the call-up, and to get a couple of dot-downs against the Barbarians last week was a pretty good way to prepare.
“From an England perspective we were off the mark result-wise, but it was great to get the starting No.12 jersey and I feel ready for this tour.
“I gained a lot from going to Argentina last year and felt I made an impact, so even though it’s been a tough gig at Northampton this season, I’ve hung in there pretty well and I’m excited to be getting an opportunity with England at the end of it.”
A season of intense struggle for Saints saw rugby director Jim Mallinder fired before a late season rally saw them eventually finish ninth.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” admits Francis, 27, who joined from Auckland Blues last summer.
“I knew it was going to be a huge challenge, but it was bigger than I’d ever experienced from a club perspective and trying to push to become an international. “Achieving higher honours is what motivates me, though, and I’ve gained a lot from this season. “You tend to learn more through a difficult season and a lot of change has happened on the back of it, but that is inevitably a good thing. “You remain dynamic and, from a player’s perspective, having new coaches will help us break the mould and get back into the top four.”
Francis is familiar with new boss Chris Boyd from his time in Super Rugby, while he relishes being reunited with backs coach Sam Vesty.
He added: “I came across Chris a few times in New Zealand and he’s spoken to us individually during a couple of trips he’s had to England.
“When you see how well the Hurricanes have done in Super Rugby over quite a few seasons now, hopefully he can replicate that success.
“As for Sam Vesty, I was exposed to him when he worked for England in Argentina last year and he added a lot of good detail to our game.
“He had a pretty big impact on that tour and I enjoyed working with him.
“It was only for two weeks but the way he thinks about the game will be a big asset for Saints and it’ll be great to have him on board.”