Smith keen to make Cohen centre of attention
December 14, 2001

Former New Zealand All Blacks and now Northampton coach Wayne Smith has drawn comparisons between All Black Tana Umaga and wing Ben Cohen and believes the England man could have a future at centre.

Cohen will line up in midfield for Saturday's Powergen Cup sixth round tie against National League One side Birmingham-Solihull.

Smith commented, "Ben has got the characteristics of a number 13, he's big, has got good hands and is a great gap runner," said Smith.

"He off-loads the ball well and has got agility. Whether he can run his wingers in is what we need to look at.

"The other thing I like about someone like Ben at centre is that he's hard to beat on the outside. He's got similar qualities to Umaga, and it is always good to have another string to your bow as a player."

Saints, who welcome back Matt Dawson for his first start since November 9 and partner Cohen with Mark Tucker in midfield, should overpower a Birmingham side they thrashed 47-14 during last season's domestic cup competition.

"These games are never easy," insisted Northampton director of rugby John Steele, ahead of an anticipated points spree.

"But it is refreshing for all sides to play against teams that they would not normally meet."

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