Long-shot Joe Simpson looking to close gap on No.9 rivals

Joe Simpson believes his ability to be a game-changing ‘super sub’ is the point of difference that will propel him into England‘s World Cup squad.
Wasps star Simpson is locked in a five-way battle for England’s three scrum-half slots at September’s global gathering, with Danny Care, Richard Wigglesworth, Lee Dickson and current No.9 incumbent Ben Youngs standing in his way.
All are more experienced than Simpson, who won his lone England cap against Georgia at the 2011 World Cup. But the in-form 26-year-old’s fabulous individual try against Exeter last Sunday issued a timely reminder of his inspirational skills.
Simpson told The Rugby Paper: “I know I’m still a long shot at the moment and there are a lot of other people performing well. I thought Ben Youngs played fantastically during the Six Nations and he’s rightly got that England No.9 shirt.
“But the point of difference at international level is to have that moment of magic in you. If you’re just an all-round, consistent player you’ll get found out, but I like to think my speed and ability to break off the base gives me an advantage.
“I believe it gives me the opportunity to try and specialise in that substitute role for England. If we’re down by a few points, you need someone to come on and change a game and I feel that’s my point of difference in comparison to other nines.
“No disrespect to them because they’re quality players, but I’d like to think that if there was a hole I’d be more likely to squeeze my nose through it and make something happen for England. That’s something I need to keep banging home.
“I guess my try against Exeter showcased what I can do and to be able to have that explosive burst at the end of a game is good for any team.”
Wasps boss Dai Young believes Simpson’s England time has arrived. He said: “Simmo’s got a real knack of pulling something special out of the hat when you need it and his try against Exeter wasn’t the first time he’s done that in broken play.
“There are not many more attacking threats as a nine than him and he can’t do anymore as far as England is concerned. His game- management and kicking game are excellent and he tends to make the right decisions, so he must be close.”
Simpson is desperate for another Test chance, explaining: “I haven’t spoken to the England management too recently but by being selected for the Saxons against Ireland in January, you know you’re somewhere in the mix. Let’s make no bones about it, that’s what we’re striving for as professional players in the Premiership.
“If you’re playing regularly for a good team like Wasps, you want to make the transition to being an international player. I’ve got one cap already at a World Cup and I’m just desperate now to get the opportunity to pull on that England shirt.”
Wasps reaching the play-offs would aid Simpson’s cause, plus those of his colleagues who are also on the fringe of England summer call-ups.
He added: “England comes on the back of strong performances and we’re going in the right direction. But Wasps need to keep putting in 80-minute displays to give guys like myself, Matt Mullan, Elliot Daly and Christian Wade a chance.
“Once you’re in that World Cup training squad you give yourself an opportunity, so there are two games left and it’s like knock-out rugby now. I need to keep striving to be the best all-round player I can be.”
NEALE HARVEY