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Well my World Cup campaign got off to a bit of a sleepy start thanks to a few papers deciding that their picture of the day was one of me letting off a big yawn before I got on the plane.

I have had a bit of mickey taking from other members of the team, but I can say here and now that I did not fall asleep on the plane! I know how the Queen feels now with every facial expression photographed. I am just glad I was not picking my nose.

At least it did not harm my chances of getting in the team and I was really chuffed to be named as a starter for Saturday’s game against USA. The whole squad were in the room at our Versailles HQ and I had no idea who it would be until the flip chart was revealed and my name was up there. It is a real heart in the mouth moment and I could not be more pleased. The first player to congratulate me was fellow hooker Lee Mears which really shows what a close squad we are.

I suspect there will be a lot of interest in Jonny not being fit for selection. Of course he is an important player but I am sure Olly can step up to the plate in the number 10 shirt. Olly put in a fantastic performance against France and I am sure he can do it again. We are a squad and we can’t waste energy worrying about who is injured and who is fit.

There is no problem being seen as underdogs for the tournament, I think it helps our performance. However, on Saturday we will be seen as favourites to beat USA in Lens. We take any team we play seriously and the Americans have some big and experienced players. We prepare for this game in the same way we prepare for games against the likes of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Their lock Luke Gross is 6’ 9” and the tallest player in the tournament. He is also only an ‘r’ away from being a member of the band Bros (you need pop trivia knowledge here). I will say it again – they cannot and will not be underestimated by us, and we are ready for a tough encounter.

 Now let’s put that yawning story to rest!