England’s tour of Australia: Henry Arundell determined to prove himself after Bryan Habana comparison | Rugby Union News

“I’ve got to make sure I keep proving it”; Henry Arundell is intent on showing his skill for England after high praise from head coach Eddie Joneswatch the second Test between Australia and England in Brisbane on Saturday July 9, live on Sky Sports Action from 10.15am

Henry Arundell is determined to forge his own path to rugby stardom amid comparisons with greats of the game such as David Campese and Bryan Habana.

Arundell produced one of the most dynamic debuts in English rugby history when scoring a try and helping to set up a second in the closing stages of Saturday’s 30-28 defeat by Australia immediately after coming on from the bench.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England Rugby head coach Eddie Jones says that he has been impressed by 19-year-old full-back Henry Arundell

The 19-year-old’s seven-minute cameo on the wing was a continuation of his explosive form for London Irish in his debut professional season, but at Perth’s Optus Stadium he announced his arrival to the world.

Eddie Jones compared his debut to that of Wallabies great Campese, while South Africa’s deadly finisher Habana and Wallabies genius Matt Giteau have also been referenced.

With such high praise coming his way, Arundell says he is determined to keep proving he is worthy of such compliments.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former England centre Will Greenwood reviews England’s loss to Australia in the first Test over the weekend and why Eddie Jones needs to pick between Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith.

“They’re very high compliments and are great, but I’ve got to make sure I keep proving it,” said Arundell, who is set to be retained on the bench for Saturday’s second Test.

“Eddie drives that through the whole team – drive is improvement for yourself to keep getting better.

“It’s fun when you get the comparisons and stuff, but, at the end of the day, you have to be your own player and do your own thing.”

Arundell’s brother and dad jetted out to Perth to watch his debut and will also be present for the next instalment of the series in Brisbane this weekend.

“On a personal level and for my family as well, it was an incredible, incredible day. I didn’t think I’d ever do that type of thing, so I’m really excited about that, but there’s a bigger focus,” Arundell said.

“It’s great to score a try, but guys like Owen Farrell have almost played 100 Tests and that’s the goal for me, to be at that sort of level.

“Owen gave me one of his shirts after the game to say well done. There’s a mutual understanding that great, that’s happened, but the Test series is the main thing – and winning the World Cup next year.”

Greenwood: Arundell should be in starting XV for second Test

Although Jonny May will be back in contention for a spot on the wing, Sky Sports’ Will Greenwood believes that Arundell’s display in the first Test should be enough for the London Irish player to start the second Test.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Eleanor Roper was joined by David Flatman and Michael Lynagh to reflect on the Test opener between Australia and England.

“He has been doing this for London Irish all year, he is only 19 and gets some great hands out the back,” Greenwood said.

“Australia have switched off a bit, you have always got to understand that, they have the game won but it still needs scoring.

“On the back of that, with the way that England’s backline didn’t fire at the weekend, I suspect if Jonny May hadn’t been unfit, Henry as an apprentice probably wouldn’t have been involved in the 23.

“But life is about taking your chances, it is about kicking the door down when it is opened an inch.

“It has opened an inch and he has scored a wonder try.

“On the back of that you would expect Eddie to go to him this week, put him in the back three and say ‘kid, no one else could score for 79 minutes, you were half decent, have a pop’.”

What’s next?

England are in action for the second Test of the three-Test series vs Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action from 10.15am (10.55am kick off).