Jackson Wray: Burger recipe can earn me Test call

Underrated Saracens back row Jackson Wray insists the disappointment of being overlooked by England has not diminished his desire to wear the Red Rose.
In-form Wray, 25, is believed to have been under consideration by England boss Eddie Jones before he announced his autumn squad. His hopes were dashed, however, when Tom Wood and Ben Morgan were surprisingly named instead.
Wray, who has performed heroically alongside Schalk Burger and Billy Vunipola for the Premiership and Champions Cup holders, told The Rugby Paper: “I’d heard some of the talk and kept my eye out for the announcement, but it wasn’t to be.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. Since being very young, playing for England has been a massive goal and it’s something I’m keen to be involved in.
“The squad has been unbelievably successful post-World Cup under Eddie and all our lads coming back from camps say how much they love it. They love the intensity and the way they work so, whether it’s in the future or not, I’ll keep on striving.
“Having worked under Paul Gustard, left, for years, I know what they’re looking for and what I need to do – and I’m determined to get into that Test set-up.
“I’m trying to be ready for when it comes and if they want me to do more, I’ll do it. I’m only 25 and feel like there are more improvements to be had.”
Wray is looking to Springbok destroyer Burger, below, for inspiration, adding: “Schalk brings something that’s very different to what we had before and his experience in that openside role has been bringing out the best from everyone.
“I’ve been taking a lot from what he does – his feel for the game, his positioning and the way he gets around the field – and it’s brilliant to run off him.
“I’m feeding off what he does and the decisions he makes are first-class. I’m trying to put as much of that into my game and make a real impact.”
On his areas of improvement, Wray added: “I’ve tried to get consistency in my defence, in collisions and over the ball at breakdowns. I’ve been getting good rewards from that so it’s all about keeping it going now and improving further.”
Injuries threaten to undermine Saracens, with Alistair Hargreaves having retired and fellow locks George Kruis and Maro Itoje out until December.
However, Saracens’ unquenchable thirst for success shows no sign of abating, with their recent victory in Toulon one of the finest in club history.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, first with Alistair and then the others, so we’re under pressure in the second row,” Wray said. “But other guys will do the job and, hopefully, Maro and George will be back for the next round of European matches.
“We had the toughest test in Europe going to Toulon, but while some people find those trips daunting, we love the atmosphere and occasion.
“The ‘Pilou! Pilou!’ chant before the game is a great experience for any player and just to be in the middle of those noisy cauldrons gets you up for it.
“We were brilliant out there and followed it up with a good win over the Scarlets, so you can see how determined we are to defend our crown.”
NEALE HARVEY