Six Nations: 'I'm glad I didn't let anyone down - Billy Twelvetrees
BILLY Twelvetrees' started his international debut with the fear of not wanting to let anybody down and he ended it admitting that his dreams had come true.
The Gloucester centre bagged a try on his England bow in Saturday's 38-18 Calcutta Cup success over Scotland at Twickenham.
Handed the number 12 shirt in a reshuffled back-line that was without star centre Manu Tuilagi, Twelvetrees shone in a dominant England performance.
One of only two changes to the side from the historic Autumn international 38-21 victory over New Zealand, Twelvetrees said that he approached the game with a unique pressure on his shoulders.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
"A lot of the talk before the match was about how we needed to build on the win over New Zealand in December," Twelvetrees said.
"For someone like me, who wasn't involved in that game, there was a big sense that I didn't want to let anybody down, — and it's a relief that I didn't do that.
"I couldn't have asked for any more. It felt wonderful to be part of another big England win and getting on the scoresheet was a huge bonus.
"It's a dream come true to get a try on your England debut in the Calcutta Cup.
"I had a lot of advice in the week to take it like any game when I'm playing for Gloucester.
"I was quite focused about going out and getting my hands on the ball and luckily enough I was able to do that quite early on.
"I just wanted to settle into the game. All the boys were saying that you just need to make your first tackle and first carry and luckily enough I did that early on and from then on it was good fun."
Twelvetrees' performance will have given England head coach cause for thought when he comes to selecting his side for Sunday's crucial clash with Ireland in Dublin.
With Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi set to return to the side from injury at the Aviva Stadium, Twelvetrees would have been the favourite to stand down, before his debut showing.
Lancaster admitted he has been impressed with the way the 24-year-old handled the pressure of his England debut.
"It is a big step up for any player to make his debut, particularly at Twickenham," Lancaster said.
"We are delighted with the way he (Twelvetrees) took it to get the try but his confidence and composure has been good all week. It shows he is ready to make the step."
He added: "This time last year we had seven players making their debuts, and with Billy making his we have a young side. We are bringing on 20-odd-year-olds and it is great for us as a squad.
"There are a few selection debates, to be honest. Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes did well when they came on.
"James Haskell was outstanding. Across the board and with Manu (Tuilagi) coming back into consideration there will be some selection decisions to make.
"We need to knuckle down to what will be a massive game against Ireland."
Comments
by alex_bound
Monday, February 04 2013, 11:30AM
“Billy certainly didn't let anyone down. It was a great début for him. The same can't be said of the Gloucester players at Kingsholm. Not every player let the side down. Dan Murphy, along with Edmonds did well in the scrum. Our best and most talented tight head, Rupert Harden was superb as always in the scrum. Rupert also had a storming game at the ruck and in the maul too from the moment he storm through the Bath ruck to get at their scrum half. But it certainly doesn't help matters when two players decide they would like to sit out the game for ten minutes each.”