OLD PALS TO AULD ENEMY
Redpath’s switch to Scots sets up showdown with former Red Rose team-mate Ollie
OLLIE LAWRENCE and Cameron Redpath go from best of team-mates to ‘auld enemies’ when the Six Nations kicks off tomorrow.
Less than two years ago they combined in England’s midfield to hammer Scotland 45-7 in an age-group international.
Now they are in opposing camps, Redpath having turned his back on his English rugby upbringing to side with the land of his father.
At lunchtime yesterday the son of Scotland great Bryan was rewarded with a first cap by Gregor Townsend. At much the same moment his great pal was being given his Six Nations full debut by Eddie Jones.
Two 21-year-olds set on a collision course, wearing the same number and about to share the biggest sporting experience of their lives at Twickenham.
“Cam is ready to go,” said Townsend. “He can’t wait to play and we can’t wait to see him out there. He’s his own man, very mature, someone who could be a leader in our squad in the next few years.”
Jones does not need the heads-up. He has known how good Redpath is since selecting him for England’s tour of South Africa three years ago. But for injury wrecking that plan before he even boarded the plane, the Bath centre would likely have been under Red Rose lock and key by now.
Instead he is in England’s line of fire, with captain Owen Farrell admitting: “From what I’ve seen he’s a brilliant player. He’ll be a big threat for them – as hopefully Ollie will be for us.”
Lawrence, one of four changes to the side which won the Nations Cup last time out, brings “power and a bit of punch” to the back line. Asked if the Worcester star would be looking to send a message to Redpath that he made the wrong decision in choosing Scotland, his skipper smiled.
“I’m sure they will be competitive, yeah,” said Farrell. “In any sort of battle if one gets a chance to get one-up on his mate, they’ll let him know about it after.”
This is a scrap that
might have taken place on a different, no less passion-filled, sporting stage had the young duo maintained their early love of football.
Redpath spent two years in the academy at West Brom, while Lawrence was playing first at Birmingham, then Aston Villa.
But each had his head turned, so instead of a fierce West Midlands derby they will lock horns in the 150th anniversary of rugby’s oldest fixture.
Lawrence’s selection is made possible by Farrell’s switch to fly-half in a line-up which sees call-ups for forward trio Will Stuart, Jonny Hill and Mark Wilson.