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Forgotten England backrow rebuilt himself after Australian Test episode destroyed his confidence
By Online Editors
Teimana Harrison views Sunday’s clash with the Barbarians as a redemptive occasion to prove his worth in an England jersey.
All of Harrison’s five caps were won in 2016, including the final Test of a 3-0 series win in Australia that saw the Northampton back row replaced after only 31 minutes on account of being outmuscled at the breakdown.
The looming non-cap showdown at Twickenham ends a three-year international exile he admits took its toll on his confidence.
“I guess there is a little bit of a point to prove,” said Harrison. “I haven’t had the best run in an England shirt so it would be nice to get out there and put in a good shift with the boys.
“I took a little bit of rebuilding after 2016 but at the time I was focusing too much on ‘I have to do this, I have to make England again’.
“Your confidence does take a hit when something like that happens. You’ve got to get your head down and work yourself out of it.
“So I put England to one side and thought if I played well, my performance would get me there. Worrying about it wasn’t going to do anything.
“I went away and thought ‘If I play well for the club, I may get an opportunity’. I’m quite lucky, I have got an opportunity so it’s time to get my head down and get stuck in.”
Harrison’s preparation for Sunday has been interrupted by the birth of his first child, a boy named Wolfe.
“I’ve been doing a bit of back and forth from Northampton but I’m pretty set on what I’ve got to do, and my missus has backed me so I’m preparing the best I can,” added Harrison.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter talks to the press after his team loses 34-37 against Saracens in the Premiership Rugby final at Twickenham.
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Latest Comments
Hoping Riley Higgins kicks on. Proctor must be 13 moving forward.
Go to commentsRassie should be "miles ahead" of Razor, he's been involved with the Boks as full-time Director of Rugby since 2017. And the Boks should be ahead of the current ABs, they have kept all of their superstars.
Clearly, we are rebuilding from the floor up. But the one place that the Boks are not "miles ahead" is on the paddock. A brand new, relatively untested coaching team, with a new team still in the making, came close in Sth Africa.
Change takes time. Whatever this magic instant innovation potion is you allude to, it doesn't exist. Just ask Rassie. It's taken the Boks years to develop. I've no doubt Razor will get us there.
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