ISIEKWE FORGED IN BOK HUMILIATION
NICK ISIEKWE admits he has returned to the England fold a different man four years on from suffering the ignominy of being substituted before half-time.
The shepherd’s crook treatment from Eddie Jones against the Springboks at Ellis Park, with Isiekwe looking lost in elite company, could have broken a lesser individual. But the resilience of the Saracens second row has seen him fight back from that to wear the Red Rose again.
And this time the 23-year-old feels ready for the big stage.
“I definitely feel more sure of myself,” he said.
“Self-belief is a massive thing, having that confidence, and in that regard I feel in a better place. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and for me it was an opportunity to learn there are loads of ways you can be better.
“Over the course of however long it was there were always focus points Eddie would give me and things that I could really sink my teeth into.
“For me it was just remaining focused through that time and having a sense of belief.” Finding out he would win his first cap in 44 months against Scotland last week was an emotional moment.
Isiekwe said: “My mum called me first. It was on the phone so I couldn’t see her face but I am pretty sure I heard some tears.
“It was a really nice feeling for them and myself.
“Seeing my family’s faces after the game – ‘pride’ was the word I would use.”