'God save our lekker Queen'

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks could come up against a familiar face when they take on England at Twickenham on Saturday.

England will be without a number of big-name players amongst the loose forwards for the match, which could open the door for Michael Rhodes to be included in Eddie Jones' matchday 23.

Rhodes previously played for the Sharks, Lions and Stormers in South Africa before he joined Saracens in 2015. Rhodes is among the last players to qualify to play for England under the old three-year residency rule, which now stands at five years.

"Three years ago I’d have never believed you if you’d said: ‘You’ll be in the England camp leading into a possible game against South Africa.’ It is strange how things work out but I’m very happy how it is," Rhodes said in an interview with The Guardian.

The 30-year-old loose forward said that anyone doubting his commitment to England's cause should judge him on his performances.

"To those people I would say that my goal is to win rugby games with England," he said.

"If they are supporting the team, then the winning is what they should be concerned about.

"I am going to play as hard as possible … when it comes down to it there should be no doubt where my commitment lies. One or two other guys have done it. I am quite comfortable, it is not something that bothers me."

On a lighter side, Rhodes' Saracens teammates have been teasing him in the build-up to the November internationals. They have been jokingly singing "God save our lekker Queen, long live our lekker Queen" at Rhodes ahead of his potential England debut.

Source: The Guardian