Christian Wade keen to show England credentials in Barbarians clash
CHRISTIAN WADE views Sunday's uncapped fixture against the Barbarians at Twickenham as the opportunity to keep his name fresh in the minds of England selectors.
Wade was omitted from the 50-man World Cup training squad named by head coach Stuart Lancaster on the grounds of his leaky defence with veteran David Strettle selected instead.
Lancaster stated on Friday he may have chosen differently for the final wing slot had he known of Strettle's likely move to Clermont and Wade refuses to give up on his dream of participating in England 2015.
"It's a massive opportunity for me to show what I can do, on a different stage and in a different team," Wade said.
"The side is a mix of guys who are in the World Cup squad and those players who have been identified as having the ability to break into that group.
"For me it is just about going out there and giving it my best shot. I spoke to Stuart Lancaster in our one-on-one on day one of camp and he made it very clear what I needed to do."
Ten members of England's World Cup training squad are present in the XV that will take the field at Twickenham, including Danny Cipriani, Joe Launchbury and Henry Slade.
Former New Zealand second row Brad Thorn leads a Barbarians team boasting 388 caps and players from seven different nations, among them Harlequins wing Ugo Monye who will be making his final professional appearance.
"We know England have some exciting talent in their side with plenty to play for in the build-up to the World Cup but we have high standards and want to give them a real test," Thorn said.