Natalie Binstead is aiming to impress for England Women's A against the Nomads (From Gazette Series)

Natalie Binstead is aiming to impress for England Women's A against the Nomads

9:13am Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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FORMER Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School pupil Natalie Binstead is looking to stake her claim to play in the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup over the next few weeks.

The London Wasps Ladies lock has been named in the England A side to face the Nomads - a team made up of some of the best players from around the world - at Esher RFC on Sunday (4pm) and is hoping to play a part in the senior side’s Six Nations campaign.

Binstead, who is just returning from two months out with a shoulder injury, won the first of her eight England caps against Scotland two years ago and featured more regularly in last year’s Six Nations triumph.

Ranked as the second best team in the world, England are going for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title this year before the Women’s World Cup comes to this country for the first time in August.

Although currently in the A squad, 29-year-old Binstead is confident she will get an opportunity in the senior England side and is aiming to impress the selectors enough to earn a place in the World Cup squad, which is announced in May.

“I’m aiming to play well and get taken up to the seniors for the other matches,” she said.

“I don’t think it matters what team you’re in, they just want to see good performances.

“In previous years they’ve taken people from the A squad to the World Cup.

“It’s my last chance to play in these next five games.

“I’m looking forward to it but there’s a bit of pressure to perform.”

Binstead, who grew up in Stone, came up against the haka for the first time in November as England A suffered a 30-3 defeat to New Zealand and she enjoyed the experience.

“I got a good player report back and it was a good score for the A team not to lose that badly against New Zealand,” she said.

“It was an amazing experience to see them do the haka - once in a lifetime.

“It was brilliant to watch, I didn’t get nervous or find it intimidating. I was just excited, it’s one of those things that everyone wants to see.”

The senior side beat New Zealand for the first time in eight years and Binstead says they have another Grand Slam in their sights as they go into their Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday full of confidence.

“We would be disappointed if we didn’t win every game after beating New Zealand,” she said.

“I can’t see us losing, especially as it’s a World Cup year and we need to remain unbeaten.”