A sting in the tail
Last updated: 14th September 2007
Haskell on the charge
I am not a big fan of making excuse as to why I didn't go, the bottom line is that I did not go and I want to use all this motivation to do well for my club and to get a reputation as a good solid player there.
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While Wasps are missing ten internationals who are battling it out on the international stage, two of their team mates are preparing to battle it out on the home front.
Mind you, there are many who think that Danny Cipriani and James Haskell should have been included in Brian Ashton's squad as there dynamism, power and outright pace is just what the doctor ordered for a flailing England.
Both Haskell and Cipriani are 100% behind England but they are disappointed with not being part of the world Cup and determined to use the experience in a positive light.
"It is a little bit galling," said Haskell on The Rugby Club.
"Obviously it is exciting and you want them to do really well, but I just really want to be there.
"I am not a big fan of making excuse as to why I didn't go, the bottom line is that I did not go and I want to use all this motivation to do well for my club and to get a reputation as a good solid player there.
"If I get the chance to play for England again I will use this as motivation and I will not want excuse ever again.
For Haskell and Cipriani their season starts at Twickenham on Saturday when they face Saracens in the Guinness Premiership opener, and while youth and inexperience may have been the reason the missed out on the world Cup, that is no excuse at Wasps.
"Being young is no excuse at Wasps, said 19-year-old Cipriani.
"When you come in you have to be right up to the mark. It is going to be a massive occasion and it is a great way to kick of the season.
"It is where you want to be, and I am looking forward to Wasps getting out there and hopefully getting that first victory."
Despite being one of the most successful teams in the Premiership, head coach Shaun Edwards still insists that Wasps without their internationals are being written off, Haskell may not quite see it that way.
"We have got some great talent, here said the 22-year-old backrower.
"We have Fraser Waters who I think was massively unlucky not to go to the World Cup. He is one of the most talented centres England have ever produced.
"We have got the talent here, the question is can we all fire together and work hard? That is what we are aiming to do."
Despite their 2007 World Cup disappointments, there is no doubt that these two have a bright future ahead of them and those returning from the World Cup, may find their traditional role as the fans favourites under serious threat.
