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Rugby Union

Banahan gearing for Churchill Cup glory with Saxons

20/06/2008

Matt Banahan has vowed to give his all for England Saxons in Saturday's Churchill Cup final.

Having scored five tries in two games, the Bath wing is already the top scorer in the tournament.

But with Scotland A standing in the way of the Saxons claiming a record fifth Churchill Cup, the 6ft 7in speed merchant has committed to crowning the North American tour win a win.

"Just being a part of this squad has been awesome," the 21-year-old explained.

"When I came out here I was just hoping to be involved. But now we're in the final, nothing less than a win will be good enough.

"I just want to do whatever I can to help the get that all important win."

Banahan, the Guinness Premiership's second-highest try scorer in 2007/08 with ten tries, explained his impressive form for Bath has inspired his older brother Paul to return to the rugby pitch.

"Seeing me play seems to have inspired Paul to get back into rugby. We've done some training together this year and now he's moving up north to play with Waterloo next season. I can't wait to see him play.

"I know he'll be watching the game on Saturday - hopefully we'll give him something to be proud of."

The Churchill Cup final kicks off at Toyota Park, Chicago at 14:05pm local time (20:05pm BST) on Saturday June 21st and is being televised live on Sky Sports 2.

England Saxons team to play Scotland A

15. Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)*
14. Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
13. Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers)*
12. Anthony Allen (Gloucester Rugby)*
11. Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)
10. Ryan Lamb (Gloucester Rugby)
9. Paul Hodgson (London Irish)*
1. Alex Clarke (Bristol Rugby)
2. George Chuter (Leicester Tigers)*
3. Jack Forster (Gloucester Rugby)
4. Chris Jones (Sale Sharks)*
5. George Skivington (London Wasps)
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
7. Will Skinner (Harlequins, captain)
8. Jordan Crane (Leicester Tigers)

Replacements

16. Andy Titterrell (Gloucester Rugby)*
17. Tom French (London Wasps)
18. Stuart Hooper (Leeds Carnegie)
19. Steffon Armitage (London Irish)
20. Lee Dickson (Newcastle Falcons)
21. Adrian Jarvis (Harlequins)
22. Ben Foden (Sale Sharks)

* - Denotes capped player