• Hape inspired by ferocious State of Origin game • ‘We can all play better than we did last week,’ he says England’s former rugby league star Shontayne Hape has been fired up to face Australia ever since watching Queensland’s ferocious State Of Origin victory over New South Wales on Wednesday. The Maroons clinched their fifth straight series win after a feisty clash in Brisbane that featured an all-in brawl, an alleged headbutt and numerous punch-ups as passions spilled over. Hape, the former New Zealand league international who will win his second England Test cap tomorrow, has been inspired by the Origin showdown to improve on a disappointing debut. England were too slow out of the blocks in Perth last week as Australia raced into an early 14-0 lead on their way to a 27-17 victory. “I was a bit nervous playing my first Test but with that out of the way I am just looking to put things right, to aim up this week and try to get a win,” said Hape. “I watched the Origin game in the week and that is what we want to bring on Saturday, some fire in our bellies.” The Wallabies were convinced that Martin Johnson would replace Hape with Jonny Wilkinson at inside centre with the aim of improving England’s kicking game and distribution. Hape’s all-round contribution was disappointing but it did not help that England’s game lacked any dynamism as they failed to capitalise on a dominant scrum performance. “Every one of us looked at our individual performance and we can all play better than we did last week,” said Hape. “We just hope we can build on last week’s game. “The forwards did some great work but they did get carried away and we have to talk to them a bit more. Hopefully we can get the backs a bit more ball and try to score some tries. We need to finish off our chances.” England’s captain, Lewis Moody, detected an “air of nervousness” in the changing room before last weekend’s defeat and he believes that contributed to England making such a slow start in Perth. But the inclusion of the Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs and Northampton’s lock Courtney Lawes, who will both make their first Test starts, has helped inject fresh enthusiasm into the side. And Moody is confident England will come out all guns blazing tomorrow. “After the warm-up tomorrow I will sit down with the lads and make sure everyone is in the right place prior to the game,” he said. “We have been through the situation now when we did have that angst and nervousness which made the first 40 minutes tough. “Ben Youngs and Courtney have come in. They are very talented and excitable young guys and that enthusiasm can spread, which is great. I am excitable at the best of times so when they are excited it is even better.” England rugby union team Australia rugby union team Rugby union guardian.co.uk
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England need fighting spirit in second Test, says Shontayne Hape
