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Rugby Union

Richards hails Easter's "chance to shine"

06/02/2007

Harlequins coach Dean Richards has given his full support to back-row forward Nick Easter ahead of his debut for the international side as a replacement for injured Joe Worsley.

England coach Brian Ashton has selected Easter ahead of more established players to play at blind-side flanker against Italy on Saturday and Richards, who coaches Easter at 'Quins, said it was a chance for the 28-year-old to show what he can do.

"Nick offers a huge amount on so many fronts," Richards said.

"He has a fine brain, is an excellent decision-maker and a good leader, too.

"He reads the game extremely well. He's comfortable at either number eight or blind-side [and] his footballing ability is such that he can switch easily from one to the other."

Richards said that Easter's talents around the edges of the breakdown were such that his presence would add a great deal to England's poise up front.

"Nick is strong on his feet through the tackle and is a good off-loader. He'll probably be required to hit a few more rucks and be asked to do more round the fringes but I have no doubt that he'll do it well," Richards added.

"This is a great opportunity for him in a World Cup year. It's a good game to come in for [because] Italy are a real test up front. It's a chance for Nick to shine."

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