Slade out to make up for lost time

Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade had admitted his wait for an appearance during England’s disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign has been ‘frustrating’.

However, the 22-year-old playmaker will make his World Cup bow at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night in England’s final match of the tournament against Uruguay.

Club-mates Jack Nowell, another who has yet to feature for Stuart Lancaster’s side during the tournament, and Geoff Parling will also start the match, and Slade – who has been named at outside centre – says he is keen to make up for lost time.

“I speak probably on behalf of a lot of boys in that we have waited a long time for our opportunities and now hopefully we can go and take them,” said Slade, who has one cap to his name.

“It has been frustrating, but at the end of the day selection has just not gone my way. I just have to take that – it is part and parcel of the game and I completely understand. “It has been a long time coming but I am just looking forward to getting out there on Saturday and showing what I can do.

“It is hard – we have a squad of 31 and only 23 get to play each week. It just hasn’t gone my way this World Cup but thankfully I have a chance to put things right this weekend.”