Bowe Eager To Make Mark Against England
Ireland’s Tommy Bowe is itching for more time on the ball against England on Saturday, after being starved of possession in last weekend’s defeat to Wales. The Ulster winger is looking forward to what he described as ‘a huge match.’
Having never played against England before at Test level and never graced the pitch at Twickenham, Tommy Bowe is understandably excited about Ireland’s encounter with the World Cup runners-up this weekend.
“I think it’s going to be something else. I’ve never played against England before in a senior international. It’s going to be a huge match and I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 24-year-old, who is a current member of the IRFU/PricewaterhouseCoopers High Performance Select Group.
“It’s been up and down, the two games I’ve had (since coming back into the team). I haven’t got as much ball as I might have liked to and I haven’t made the impact I would have been hoping to.
“I think I’m still under pressure, I’m putting myself under pressure to grind out a good performance.”
Bowe readily recognises the high quality of backs at Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan’s disposal and having been out of the side through injury and loss of form, he is determined to do whatever he can to hold onto his starting spot.
“It’s a good thing for Ireland to have such a good wealth of young back-line players coming through. Even the likes of Gavin Duffy, who went to the World Cup and who would be next in line to come into the squad (for the England match).
“Gavin’s been playing very well for Connacht but still can’t get into the set-up. For me to be in here now, to be given my chance, it’s up to me to take it and that’s something that I really want to do.
“I’m not 100% happy with how I’ve gone so far (since coming back). I still think there’s another bit in me,” he admitted.
One thing that will be in Bowe’s favour on Saturday is that Shane Horgan’s re-positioning to centre means the Ulster speedster is back in his more favoured right wing berth, after lining out on the left against Wales.
“Small things are always going to be highlighted and made that bit more difficult so to be on the right (wing) I’ll feel that bit more comfortable there,” he conceded.
To listen to Tommy Bowe’s interview in full, please click here.