Benjamin gunning for Aussies
WORCESTER wing Miles Benjamin is ready for the biggest game of his career when England's Under 20 side tackle Australia tomorrow at Rodney Parade in Newport (2.30pm).
The Pool C' decider between the two unbeaten teams will determine who goes into next week's semi-finals at the IRB Junior World Championship.
Benjamin goes into the game with a reputation as one of the Guinness Premiership's most exciting young players.
Only Tom Varndell, Matt Banahan and James Simpson-Daniel have scored more top-flight tries than the 20-year-old from Birmingham this season.
In total, he has scored 15 tries in 27 first-team appearances for the Warriors and three more in his outings with the under 20s against Wales, Fiji and Canada.
England will field 11 players who have featured in the top-flight this season and Benjamin is confident their experience will help the unbeaten Six Nations champions deliver when it matters most.
"I'm totally raring to go now," said Benjamin. "Training has been intense and now I just can't wait.
"It's the biggest game of my career. There's nothing like representing your country and this tournament is the last time we'll be together as an age-group.
"Experience wherever you can find it is useful and we've got a lot of guys who've played in the Premiership and in National One. It'll be a close game but I definitely think we can win it."
England have scored 36 tries in winning all seven of their under 20 internationals so far this season, winning plaudits for the exciting brand of rugby encouraged by coaches Nigel Redman and Mark Mapletoft.
Australia, though, are the seeded side in Pool C' with established Super 14 stars like David Pocock (Western Force), Queensland Reds fly-half Quade Cooper and NSW Waratahs centre Robert Thorne.
"Of course we respect everyone we play against but we've got a great squad and there's a great atmosphere in the camp," said Benjamin.
"All our players feel confident on the ball and the coaches have empowered us to go out and play and score tries.
"There's a healthy rivalry between the sides. I'm sure we'll be pushed all the way and we know there will be big battles all over the field."
Worcester flanker Matt Cox is a replacement for tomorrow's match.
4:05pm Friday 13th June 2008
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