Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A HARD REIGN’S GONNA FALL
Jamie George has magic on his side as he takes on England tough-guy Dylan
JAMIE GEORGE has worked with a magician in the hope of pulling a rabbit out of the hat in England selection.
The Lions star goes up against rival Red Rose hooker Dylan Hartley on Sunday, in what is seen by many as an eliminator for the England jersey.
To help the north Londoners focus on the challenge, Pete Heat, a magician who has performed for David Beckham and Benedict Cumberbatch, was invited into Saracens’ camp.
“He didn’t just perform magic, he revealed his mindset during the tricks,” said George. “We took a few things from him that heightened our awareness of what we need to do on the rugby field.
“Most notably, he said that the trick happens before the big reveal, a reminder that, while people see the tries, it is about the work we do off the ball.”
George, 26, has yet to start a Test for his country, despite being first-choice throughout the Lions’ summer series in New Zealand.
Many argue the time is right for him to step in and replace a veteran of 86 caps – only Hartley is Eddie Jones’ chosen one as England skipper.
And last night Dorian West, the Northampton coach who won a World Cup with England playing at hooker, insisted the Kiwi-born star is playing better than ever.
“Dylan is the hungriest I’ve known him,” declared West, ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup clash between Saints and Sarries.
“He’s 31, but that’s not old in front-row terms. We’ve not seen any drop-off at all. I see a really experienced player who is desperate to improve further.”
George holds the world record for caps won without making a start – 17 stretching back to before the last World Cup.
He has won Premiership and European crowns with Saracens, and believes his Lions experience has taken him to another level. But shifting Hartley, England’s captain in every game since Jones took charge at the start of 2016, is a mighty challenge.
George got one up on Hartley with his Lions selection – his rival didn’t make the squad. But that has cut no ice with Jones, who demands he improves further and becomes more consistent.
“I’ve never wanted to be second choice,” said George. “I put expectation on myself. I want to be playing to a standard that I’m proud of.”
With England squad selection a fortnight away, Sunday’s headto-head with Hartley is perfectly timed. Experience has taught Hartley the tricks of the trade.
It is time George shows what he has up his sleeve.