Youngs brothers at heart of it in Leicester’s charge
Hooker Tom this week received the Tigers players’ player of the year award and Ben, himself a previous winner, says the accolade is richly deserved.
“With his physicality he has added a huge dimension to our forward pack; he gives us that grunt Leicester is so traditionally proud of,” Youngs Jnr said.
“We’ve probably not had that quality quite as much for the last couple of years because we didn’t have the same strength in depth.
“To have a big, strong lad like Tom who can put it about is ideal for us. As well as ball carrying ability, he’s very physical at the breakdown, mauls and at scrum-time. He’s had a terrific season and it’s down to all his hard work.”
He added: “Players’ player of the year is the biggest honour you can win, especially at this club where there are so many good players who put it in week-in, week-out. To have the respect of peers and team-mates is really humbling and a great honour.”
Out in the cold with England a little over a year ago, scrum-half Ben has a smile back on his face and has strong claims to be named in the Lions squad on April 30.
His two-try display in the 35-16 win over Wasps last weekend came as a timely boost to his chances of boarding the plane to Australia.
Ben said: “I’ve always said I play my best rugby when I’m enjoying it and that’s certainly the case at the moment. I feel I’m in a good place.
“I feel developing my game understanding, the way England want me to play, has helped in that respect.
“I’m really happy with how things are going in terms of how I control a game – doing the right things at the right time – and with my kicking.
“I’ve always been an admirer of Dimitri Yachvili in that side of the game. As we saw against Gloucester the other day he is still pulling the strings for Biarritz.”
Youngs was with England U20s in the Junior World Championships in Japan during the last Lions tour and admits it would be a dream come true if he were to fill one of the three No.9 slots.
“I think every player has thought about it because it’s such a huge honour. Brian O’Driscoll’s try in 2001 and the 2009 Test series against South Africa are standout moments in my mind.
“To play for the Lions is the dream but it’s also the un-talked about thing because, unless you’re fortunate enough to get picked, that’s all it is: a dream.
“The most important thing is not to get ahead of yourself. If I’m playing well for Leicester then hopefully I’m putting myself in contention. That’s all you can do.”
JON NEWCOMBE
