Tom Croft targets Grand Slam glory for England

Alex Lowe,Pa
Monday 14 March 2011 11:48 GMT
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Tom Croft turned his sights to Grand Slam glory after making a try-scoring return to the England team.

The Leicester flanker came off the bench to score the only try in England's hard-fought 22-16 victory over Scotland.

Martin Johnson's men now have one hand on the RBS 6 Nations title - and a win in Ireland next Saturday will clinch a first clean sweep since 2003.

Croft is relishing the opportunity after finally recovering from the fractured shoulder which kept him out of England's victories over Wales, Italy and France.

"When you see the back row playing well you wonder where you fit back in the mix," Croft said.

"It was great to be back involved with a squad that is going well and hopefully we can finish the job off now.

"We are in a good place, four from four and a chance of a Grand Slam. We need to be focused and not let the whole event get on top of us."

England's points difference is so much better than nearest rivals Wales they should be crowned Six Nations champions even if they lose in Dublin.

Ireland are out of the title race after their controversial defeat to Wales, who are mathematically the only team who can catch England.

"The Irish will be very dangerous with that Triple Crown gone," Croft said.

"They will want to spoil our party."

Croft's try should have sealed England the win but Scotland battled to the last and set up a tense finish with an opportunitic try from Max Evans.

"We knew it would be a battle and we had to wear them down for the full 80 minutes," Croft said.

"I think we know it wasn't the performance we had been hoping for. "We made quite a few mistakes and there are areas we can improve in the week going into Ireland but we take the win."

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