Skipper Katy ready for ultimate test
SOUTH Shields-born Katy McLean is geared up for the 'ultimate' test when she dons the white of England tomorrow.
The fly-half, dubbed the female Jonny Wilkinson, will skipper the national side when they take on Scotland in the Six Nations tomorrow.
It is only the second time the former Mortimer School pupil will have led her country, and with a 100 per cent record on the line against the Auld Enemy, Katy can't wait.
She said: "It's a massive honour to be asked to captain your country, it's the ultimate honour really.
"When you are a kid you dream of playing rugby for your country, and to realise that dream was huge, but now captain England in a Six Nations game is fantastic."
Should England emerge victorious against the Scots, then they will remain on course for the Six Nations title, and a possible Grand Slam when they face France next weekend.
That would obviously be a superb achievement, but for now Katy is looking no further than tomorrow's clash at Muggatland in Edinburgh.
"You always have to focus on the next game, and not look too far ahead," said Katy.
"Playing Scotland is always a big test. The fact that they are playing at home after a draw away to Italy and a win against France will definitely give them confidence.
"They always have a good pack and have a lot of pace out wide which we will have to be aware of, but we are in good form at the minute, and will be looking to carry that on tomorrow.
"We want to win the tournament and that means beating Scotland tomorrow and France next week, and we are determined to do that.
"It won't be easy, but we have been playing well and getting good results, and we will look to carry that on tomorrow.
"You are always looking to improve, and I think there are still one or two errors we would like to cut out from our play.
"But generally we have been pleased with the way things have gone for us a team."
Katy is also happy at how things have gone for her on an individual basis.
She said: By and large it has been going well, and I have been pleased with performances.
"Of course, you are always looking to get more from yourself and trying to improve your game.
"You have to because there is competition for places and you can't afford to stand still."
As skipper Katy will be expected to lead by example, and while that won't be a problem, she knows she won't be lacking in support.
She said: "I always go out determined to give it everything, and that won't change tomorrow.
"I don't think being captain will mean I have to alter my game too much.
"It may mean that I'm involved in making more of the key decisions, but to be honest this team has a lot of good players, who have a great deal of experience, so I know I can turn to them if I need to."
Captaining the side is the latest big step for Katy, who has become a key member of the England side in recent years.
And she is hoping that it is just another huge plus in what could be the best year of her rugby-playing life.
The Rugby World Cup will take place in England later this year, and Katy admits success there would be the icing on the cake.
"Obviously the Six Nations is a prestigious tournament and winning it would be amazing, but the World Cup is being held over here in August and that is absolutely massive.
"This year has been all about building up to the World Cup, and keeping our winning run going in the Six Nations would be a big positive for us, and stand us in good stead.
"Since the start of the year we have been looking at all areas of our game, and trying out different options.
"We have been working hard, but we have to keep that going over the next two games.
"We have to be playing well both individually and as a team if we are to do ourselves justice.
"We want to make sure that we are at our very best, and have done everything we can to give ourselves the best chance in the World Cup.
"The World Cup squad is announced in May, and the best way to make sure you are in it is to keep playing well."
For now, though, Katy will put thoughts of the World Cup to the back of mind as she focuses on leading her side to success against the Scots.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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