South Africa v England, Port Elizabeth, June 23
Goode ready for England debut
ESPN Staff
June 22, 2012
England's Alex Goode on the burst, England v Barbarians, Twickenham, England, May 27, 2012
Alex Goode is set for his first England start © Getty Images
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Fullback Alex Goode believes his consistency over the years has earned him the right to make his full England debut against South Africa in Port Elizabeth.

Goode, 24, is set to face the Springboks on Saturday in the third Test. After playing international rugby at under-age levels and with the Saxons, Goode says he is primed to take his chance and move past Mike Brown and Ben Foden in the pecking order.

"You've just got to keep knocking with good performances really," Goode said. "I believed if I played well, year on year, game on game, then consistency would favour me.

"I put in some good performances with the Saxons as well and was always optimistic in that regard.

"Luckily on this tour I kept working, even with Browny and Fodes playing really well. I kept working and my chance has come."

Foden has been shifted back out wide by head coach Stuart Lancaster to allow Goode his opportunity. As Goode is a former fly-half, Lancaster hopes he can bring an extra ball-playing dimension to the team but the Saracens star knows his primary responsibilities remain the most important.

"First and foremost you have got to defuse the high balls and secure the backfield as a full-back," said Goode. "That is the primary role - last line of defence, securing the ball at the back. As far as I am concerned, that is the role I have got to perform.

"In terms of helping out the fly-half, acting as another kicking game on the blindside or whatever that entails, I have been doing it for a few years at Saracens and hopefully that will stand me in good stead going into the Test match."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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