DYLAN’S NO TON-UP KID
He’s just glad to be back
DYLAN HARTLEY is determined to appreciate every last moment in an England jersey.
The hooker returns to the side against South Africa on Saturday, almost 10 years to the day since he made his Test debut.
Hartley missed the summer tour to South Africa with concussion to underline to him how fragile a rugby career can be.
So when the 93-cap forward is named in the line-up to face the Springboks today, he will remind himself not to take the whole experience for granted.
He said: “I’m delighted I’m still here. I’m delighted I still have the chance to play for England.
“Everyone asks about trying to get to 100 games. I can honestly say I’m not counting. I’m just looking forward to the next one because you don’t know when your last game is and your time is up.
“What I’ve realised when people start talking about 100 Tests is that it’s a bit like climbing a mountain. The higher you get, the harder it gets. I want to make sure I enjoy from NEIL SQUIRES in Vilamoura this weekend, the build-up and being here in Portugal. I just want to enjoy the next one, No.94.”
Hartley, 32, rooms with Owen Farrell, with whom he will share the captaincy this autumn.
“In terms of the co-captain’s role, it has been in place for the last three years anyway. It has just got an official title now,” he said.
Sings
“I’ve always roomed with Owen and he has always been a sounding board for me and vice-versa. Any ideas have always been discussed in our room.
“It’s not like we have two beds next to each other – he’s in one room, I’m in the other. He sings in the shower and makes coffee. He watches football on TV, I don’t.”
Despite England being shorn of a few familiar faces through injury, suspension and retirement, Hartley said: “It’s a good challenge.
“We obviously don’t have players like Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler but the guys that have been picked have been picked for a reason. They are doing something right.”
South Africa won the summer series 2-1 but Hartley added: “We want to be an improved team. How we finished that tour was testament to squad effort.”
Ben Moon is in line to make his Test debut after almost giving up hope an England call would come.
The Exeter prop, part of the England U-20s team that reached the 2009 Junior World Championship final, is set to be named on the bench for the first time today.
He said: “I’m 30 next year and you do wonder if your international window is slowly closing. But I have been given an opportunity so I’m just taking it while it is here.”