Payne backs Waldouck to make England impact
Tim Payne has given his backing to fellow England hopeful Dom Waldouck
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Saturday, 03, Oct 2009 10:26
EXCLUSIVE by Martyn Thomas.
England prop Tim Payne has backed his Wasps team-mate Dominic Waldouck to make a big impact if called upon by Martin Johnson this autumn.
Injury to former Wasps centre Riki Flutey has opened up a possible place in the squad for England's autumn internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.
And asked if Waldouck could fill the gap, Payne, who has won 12 England caps, told inthenews.co.uk: "I don't see why not, Dom is a brilliant player.
"He's still young and I think he's got a very good future ahead of him. The chance to play for England is definitely within his grasp."
On a personal level, despite having made his England debut back in 2004 and playing for the Lions this summer, Payne does not see himself as a settled international yet.
"I don't think anyone is," the prop said.
"Obviously I want to be competing for places and hopefully I can get my chance in the autumn."
Having been called up by the Lions as late cover for Andrew Sheridan, Payne played against the Emerging Springboks just hours after landing in South Africa.
The experience was one the player clearly enjoyed: "It was amazing. It was something I've dreamt of since day one of playing rugby, since I knew about the Lions.
"To get that opportunity was just incredible and overall it was just a fantastic experience."
Although he admits he wasn't too far out of his comfort zone in South Africa.
"I'd played under Warren [Gatland], Sean [Edwards] and Ian McGeeghan, and the way they were playing and the pattern they were playing I knew pretty well," he added.
"The way Sean had them defending was something that I was pretty used to so I was able to adapt quite quickly."
Both Wasps and England will be hoping Payne can carry this confidence into this season and beyond.