Fourie out to show he can be top flanker in England

The Leeds Carnegie flanker missed that game because a calf injury sustained on club duty 12 days earlier had meant he had spent a limited amount of time training with his international colleagues.

Now back to full fitness after a 40-minute cameo for Leeds against Northampton in the LV= Cup on Saturday, the 31-year-old South Africa-born flanker has been added to the 22-man party for the visit of Italy at Twickenham, in place of Joe Worsley.

Johnson names his starting XV at midday, and although he is unlikely to remove James Haskell from a back-row unit alongside Tom Wood and Nick Easter that functioned impressively at the Millennium Stadium, Fourie is confident he has what it takes to step back into the breach.

Prior to his injury, it had appeared he was in line to replace captain Lewis Moody, who damaged knee ligaments while on duty for Bath.

Moody is not expected back until the start of March at the earliest, meaning he is also set to miss the home game with France on February 26, but whether it be Moody or Haskell whom he replaces, a Six Nations debut would hold no fear for Fourie.

“I would thrive on the opportunity to prove I am England’s No 1 open-side,” said Fourie.

“If you’re not going out to be the best what’s the point in playing rugby?

“Any chance to put on the No 7 shirt I get, I’ll definitely thrive on it and play even better.

“Any opportunity you have, you want to show what you can do and it is important that if I get the opportunity I just need to do my best.

“Hopefully I can do as well as I can and stake my claim for more chances.”

Fourie’s recall to the England squad, while good news for both player and club, has been greeted with a sense of frustration.

For Leeds return to their battle for Premiership survival against leaders Leicester on Sunday knowing the absence of Fourie and hooker Steve Thompson, who retains his place in the England 22 for the match against the Azzuri, is badly timed.

Leicester will be without far more internationals but have a big enough squad to absorb the losses, whereas Leeds are without two of their best players for a four-game block of fixtures that also includes a home date with relegation rivals Newcastle Falcons.

Director of rugby Andy Key said yesterday: “It’s mixed emotions. Hendre was outstanding that first 40 minutes against Northampton, and we knew it was about giving commitment and support to England.

“It was a game where Hendre proved everything he needed to prove to them in that 40-minute spell. He made massive carries, he was massive in defence, and he forced turnover ball – everything you expect from him was there in that first 40 minutes.

“It would be great to have him and Thommo back but it’s nice to wish them well and pat them on the back because they are two guys that have performed this season to the levels that get them international recognition.

“We wish them well at the weekend and know that the first thing they’ll do is look for our result on Sunday to make sure we’ve won.”

For his part, Fourie acknowledges the role Leeds have played in his progress over the last few years and admits to being a little torn himself at the timing of the tournament, particularly as his release from England last week coincided with a club appearance in what was effectively a dead-rubber of a cup contest.

“When I come back from the Six Nations, Leeds is the priority, helping them stay up,” said Fourie.

“Loyalty is always important. Helping the club stay up last year was great and you always want to be a part of helping your team.

“Under the circumstances, with it not being possible, it’s hard but you’ve got to take the opportunity to represent your country.

“Leeds have got loads of depth in the squad. I think there’s enough talent and quality in the back row to help us to stay up.”

Along with Worsley, Johnson released 11 other players to club duty for the weekend.

James Simpson-Daniel and Paul Doran-Jones have gone back to Gloucester while George Chuter and George Skivington will be available for selection for Leicester at Headingley on Sunday.

Halifax-born Charlie Hodgson has returned to Sale with his path to the fly-half position currently blocked by Jonny Wilkinson and in-form Toby Flood, who looks set to start against Italy.

Riki Flutey is back at Wasps while former Rotherham Titans wing David Strettle has returned to Saracens.

And Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints) and Joe Simpson (London Wasps) have all left the England camp.

Andy Robinson has agreed a contract to stay as Scotland head coach until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Robinson, whose previous deal with the Scottish Rugby Union was due to expire at the end of the 2012 Six Nations, was appointed in 2009 following the departure of Frank Hadden.