Fourie risking England hopes in Leeds cause

Kay, who formed a formidable second-row partnership with Martin Johnson for Leicester and England before retiring last year, knows just what it takes to star on the international stage, having won 62 caps, lifted the World Cup and also represented the British Lions.

He is an avid fan of Fourie, the South African-born openside who earned a place in Johnson's elite squad after a series of commanding performances for the Yorkshire club last season.

With captain and fellow No 7 Lewis Moody recovering from an eye injury, hopes had been raised that he could make his bow versus New Zealand in the opening autumn international at Twickenham on November 6.

But Kay feels Fourie will suffer yet more disappointment, having already seen his chances wrecked in Australia during the summer when he was sent home early due to a calf injury.

"Had Moody not been fit, I think Fourie would start against New Zealand," Kay told the Yorkshire Post after coaching pupils of Carr Manor High School at an ESPN Community Event.

"I'd certainly pick him. However, it looks like Lewis will be right in time and that might well mean he doesn't even feature on the bench because of the dynamics of the squad.

"He was great last year but the problem Fourie has now, which will stack against him massively for England, is the amount of penalties he's given away this season.

"He's had two yellow cards as well and England will certainly fear conceding penalties at the moment against a side of New Zealand's talent."

Although England are buoyed by their summer victory over the Wallabies in Sydney, ruthless Tri-Nations victors All Blacks arrive as the leading side in the world on the back of an astonishing 10-match winning run.

Fourie, meanwhile, has encountered his own fitness problems after departing Friday's 6-3 loss against Sale with bruised ribs.

He has been kept on in the England squad but Kay feels bottom-placed Leeds's ongoing woe – they have yet to win a game in the Premiership – is hampering the 31-year-old's chances of recognition.

"Fourie has given away the most penalties in the league this year but that's in a team struggling and fighting for its life," he said.

"I think he's probably just been a bit over-zealous trying to make a difference but Neil Back will get hold of him and iron out those problems.

"It will stack against him, though. Lewis had the same problem earlier in his career. He got the reputation as someone who just gave away penalties and so he needs to be careful with that."

However, the legendary fearlessness of Kay's former colleague at Welford Road and team-mate on that triumphant night in Sydney seven years ago, could ironically allow former Rotherham forward Fourie a chance to make his mark.

"That is one thing on his side," said the 34-year-old, who now commentates on Premiership rugby for ESPN.

"The way Lewis plays the game he is likely to be injured a fair bit; he puts his eye socket in the way of people trying to kick which is again an area England will be worried about.

"If I was Jonno I'd be having a word with Moody saying 'if I'm going to make you my captain, I need you fit and you can't afford to play in such a reckless manner'.

"Be brave and put your body on the line but there's a difference between doing that and being reckless."

Kay reckons struggling Leeds, who entertain Wasps on Sunday, must sacrifice their footballing ideals in order to kick-start their faltering campaign.

"They are trying to play a bit too much rugby at the moment," he said.

"The reason Leeds stayed up last year was because they fought for everything; they did an Exeter and 100 per cent deserved to avoid relegation.

"They were really unlucky not to win more early on when they lost by a point or drew games. They were fantastic but now – having said they are aiming for the top six – are playing too much.

"They've attempted the most offloads in the Premiership this season but that's not necessarily a good thing. You have to choose when you do that.

"Maybe they feel it will click. I hope for Backy, Andy Key, Steve Thompson and Marco Wentzel – all friends of mine – it does as we need rugby union in Leeds; it would be a travesty to lose Yorkshire from the Premiership."