Published 11:45 IST, November 1st 2019
Ben Spencer's 'crazy days' before Rugby World Cup final with England
Ben Spencer received the last-minute call-up courtesy Willi Heinz who was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury was feeding his children at home
Life seems to have given Ben Spencer a second chance to become a World Cup hero after the Saracens scrum-half was asked to fly out to Japan and join England for the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa. He received a last-minute call-up courtesy Willi Heinz who was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Spencer received the call while he was feeding his children at home.
Ben Spencer's England call-up for Rugby World Cup final
Last week, Spencer watched England demolish semi-final opponents New Zealand on television but on Saturday he will be on the bench in a World Cup final. Spencer will provide cover for Ben Youngs against South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday when England aims to become world champions for a second time.
Speaking to a British publication, Spencer admitted that it has been 'a crazy few days' after answering England's World Cup call. The scrum-half also said that he doesn't quite have a Stephen Donald story (the former New Zealand fly-half who was called up from holiday and then kicked a match-winning penalty in 2011 final) and It's an exciting week for the whole family.
Speaking about his call he got to join the national team, the 27-year-old said that he trained all week with Saracens, and then we were due to play Leicester on Sunday. When I got the call it was a bit of 'right, let's get ready for a World Cup final
Spencer had helped Saracenswin the English and European champions last season. He made his England on debut on tour against South Africa in 2018 and narrowly missed out on World Cup squad selection but now he has a dream opportunity to be involved in England's latest bid for global glory.
He added that the good thing about joining the team is that he had spent quite a lot of time with the squad in pre-season, so he knows what's going on in the side.
Ben Spencer on Rugby World Cup final
Spencer is all excited for the upcoming final and for him to be out in Japan and hopefully on Saturday is amazing. Speaking about England's chances in the final Spencer thinks that his side has been brilliant and every week the team has got better.
England head coach Eddie Jones said that It’s a great opportunity for Spencer and he’s excited about it. He has come into the squad and has got to learn a few new things with Willi and Benny help him with that.
The task ahead of Spencer is no different to any other player. He has just got to learn a little bit more in the early part of the week and get himself physically and mentally ready.
Updated 15:20 IST, November 1st 2019