-
Thomas Waldrom of Leicester Tigers - Source: Getty Images
New Zealand's Thomas Waldrom turned in a barnstorming performance for England's backup team that will have done his chances of a full debut in the Six Nations no harm.
The former Crusaders No 8 scored a try as the Saxons - England's B team - beat the Irish Wolfhounds 23-17.
With England No 8 Luke Narraway ruled out of England's Six Nations opener against Scotland this weekend, Waldrom has been drafted into the top squad.
England's interim coach Stuart Lancaster was impressed with Waldrom's game as England look to launch a new era following their World Cup disaster.
Waldrom will be hoping he has better luck than during last year's World Cup when he flew south as injury cover but never got a game as England were bundled out in the quarter-finals.
"The World Cup was a great opportunity even though I didn't play and, once you've had a taste, you want more," Waldrom told The Express newspaper in Britain.
Waldrom has been credited with helping Leicester's revival in the English Premiership. Since he returned from the World Cup they have hardly missed a beat after their dreadful start to the season.
They have lost just one of their 11 matches since then and have charged up to fourth on the points table.
England have serious injuries concerns for the Scottish game with Toby Flood, Courtney Lawes (both knee), Manu Tuilagi (calf) and Tom Wood (foot) already unavailable.
