Perry plays down his plaudits
November 28, 2000

Matt Perry will equal Jonathan Webb's record number of caps for an England fullback against South Africa on Saturday but he is refusing to dwell on his achievements.

"I used to watch Jon Webb as a youngster and my parents are very proud that I have equalled his record," said Perry. "But these type of landmarks are not something you can look at while you are still in the middle of your career.

Recognised as the safest pair of hands under the high ball, Perry is keen to highlight other areas of his game.

"There is a lot more to my game than just taking the high ball," he said. "I feel I am a footballer as well. I have an ability to hit the line and put people in holes.

"People see me in the air and think that is all I can do but the full-back's game is more varied than that."

Perry is also thankful for his lengthy run of international appearances. "I seem to have accumulated these caps pretty quickly but I am fortunate to have stayed relatively injury free since I made my debut.

"Last year I played in 15 Test matches and didn't come off in any of them. I seem to have been able to raise my game when required, but at this stage I do not want to dwell on it too much."

Despite having collected his tally of 33 caps in just three years Perry is keen to carry on his rugby education. "The international game is very quick and I wouldn't say I have got to grips with it yet.

"I suppose experience teaches you to lift your head up a bit more. When I first came into the side, I was too scared of making mistakes to appreciate what was happening around me. Now I am more aware of the whole picture."

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