Whatever he touches turns to gold. For me, it's a fantastic opportunity to play against him.

That's my ultimate aim. The better I play, the more pressure it puts on selection. If I can keep performing well with Sale and England, then hopefully it can happen.

It's a long season. When you get an opportunity to play, you've got to be able to go in there and make the most of it. We've had some guys do that for us this season. They were ready when we needed them.

It's like his life, he's into the joking scene but also into the serious side of the game. I reckon we're going to have a drink after the game, come what may.

I've just got to make sure I don't take it to heart.

That's good motivation to show them what I can do,