Published: Monday, 10th November, 2008 12:00
Dream debuts for Exiles pair
By John O'Sullivan
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England 39, Pacific Islands 13
LONDON Irish duo Nick Kennedy and Delon Armitage stormed onto the international scene on Saturday with ‘dream’ England debuts against the Pacific Islands.
Versatile back Armitage picked up the man of the match award in the 39-13 win, while giant lock Kennedy marked his first England appearance with a try.
A jubilant Armitage said afterwards: “This is what I have dreamed of ever since I started playing rugby. I always wanted to play for England and show what I can do in front of a big crowd.
“For the first five or 10 minutes I was a bit shaky – but then I got into the game and started to enjoy it.
“The boys worked hard. We knew it was going to be tough but we are proud of scoring five tries and only conceding one.”
And Armitage looks to have cemented his name in the England squad after impressing team manager Martin Johnson.
The World Cup winning captain said: “I thought he was outstanding. He looked great. He has trained like that. But some players train like that and don’t play like that.
“I just said to him ‘I don’t think I have ever seen a better debut.”
And Johnson was not the only person Armitage impressed as he picked up the man of the match award. The Irish back said: “The trophy’s actually the heaviest thing I’ve ever held in my life!
“I’m really pleased with it. There were about 20 members of my family in the East Stand today – I think it’s a day they’ll never forget either.”
Exiles lock Kennedy is well known for his prowess in the lineout, but not even he expected to mark his debut with a try.
He said: “This is even better than when I dreamt about it because I didn’t score in the dream.
“Myself and Danny Care know that move well because Harlequins stole it off London Irish.
“It was a great move from Steve Borthwick to call it and Danny ran a great line and just popped the ball up for me.”
Armitage, pictured right, has been rewarded for his impressive display by retaining his place in the England XV for Saturday’s test against Australia.
There was no such joy for Kennedy, though, as he has been left out of the squad altogether to make way for Wasps’ Tom Palmer.
Johnson explained his decision by saying: “Nick Kennedy did well against the Pacific Islanders, but the coaches want to look at how Tom Palmer goes against the Aussies.
“Nick Kennedy’s first cap will not be his last. It’s tough on him not to be in the 22, but when you are picking your bench it’s not always about your next best player, but a different sort of player.”
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