Rugby World Cup 2015: Mike Brown concerned over England place despite man-of-the-match display against Fiji
England full-back Mike Brown believes his man-of-the-match display in World Cup victory over Fiji is not enough to guarantee his place for the crunch Pool A match against Wales. The Harlequins man scored two tries on his competition debut but a series of kicking errors leaves the 30-year-old sweating over his place.
Brown, who won his 40th international cap in the tournament opener at Twickenham, has been a mainstay of the England team under Stuart Lancaster. However, a constant theme of the Lancaster era has been the competitiveness within the squad and the strength in depth in key areas.
Though Brown scored a try in either half as England claimed a bonus point 35-11 victory over their Pacific Island opponents, he was frustrated by a series of inaccurate kicks out of hand. The match winner also said he was "surprised" by being named man-of-the-match by broadcasters ITV.
"There were a few errors first half," Brown admitted. "My kicking wasn't great, I wasn't too happy about that and I was surprised to win man of the match. It was amazing to score two tries in my first World Cup on home soil so that is a dream come true and something I will look at with fond memories but for now I am not too pleased with myself with the errors I did make.
"Everyone is training so well and played well in the warm-ups. Players played well today so there is competition for every place and that is probably why I am not happy with my performance with the couple of errors I made. There is a lot of competition in the squad which you need in a World Cup."
Billy Vunipola scored from the final play of the game to ensure England claimed an extra point and pile the pressure on Wales and Australia ahead of their respective meetings with tournament minnows. Brown feels the late try is hugely significant for the hosts
"It's of massive importance it is a World Cup and you can't afford to lose any game," he added. "We knew it was always going to be a tough start they don't get enough credit for being the team they are and with the world class players they have playing all over the world. It's great to get the bonus point in the end, there are definitely things to work on but we move on reasonably happy.
"There was always going to be a bit of emotion with it being a home World Cup. We stayed calm and relaxed throughout even when things weren't going our way. There were a few forced errors which we won't be too happy about but these things happen and we'll learn from them but there are plenty of positives and to get a bonus point in the first game is massive."
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.