• Six Nations

Moody targets French return

ESPN staff
January 21, 2011
Lewis Moody has won two of his six matches as England captain © Getty Images
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Lewis Moody is adamant he will be fit in time to lead England out against France at Twickenham.

The England skipper was ruled out for six weeks with medial collateral ligament damage in his knee after Bath's Heineken Cup win over Aironi at the Rec, but he has his sights set on the France clash on February 26.

"I don't really count it as an injury," Moody said in the Telegraph. "Just a niggle. I'll be back for that third game against France, fighting fit, raring to go."

Moody was handed the captaincy in the final Six Nations against France last year in the absence of the injured Steve Borthwick, but has since been installed as permanent leader. Although he admitted he was initially not interested in becoming captain, he has settled into the role and is now frustrated at not being able to lead the team in England's opener against Wales on February 4.

"I have to admit I really enjoy the role now," Moody said. "The idea of getting the captaincy was never something that motivated me, but when you're asked to be captain of your country, things are very different, expectations are so completely different and it's the biggest honour that's ever been bestowed on me.

"I've got more comfortable with the job. It is gnawing away at me a little bit to not be playing against Wales but, fingers crossed, it will only be for a couple of games."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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