Grayson shines in England A victory

Oh Larry OOOHHH!
By Rich
February 17 2003

England A beat France A 30-13 at Franklin's Gardens where Paul Grayson capped a remarkable return with a highly polished performance and a personal haul of 20 points.

The story is well documented in Saints circles. Wayne Smith said to Paul Grayson: "I hear you're going to be a kicking coach!" Smith told Grayson he was good enough to continue playing and the rest is, as they say history. The former All Blacks coach has rejuvenated many Northampton players but none more so than Grayson.

Grayson's decline can be traced back as far as the 2000 season. He was out of favour at stand off and started the European semi final on the bench and from then on was picked at full back. Many saw him as a specialist place kicker and nothing else. The England management did nothing to dispell this theory when they took him on a tour of North America as a kicking coach.

Smith however knows a thing or two about stand offs or 1st five eighth's as they call them where he's from. Under the Kiwi's tutelage Grayson has rediscovered himself and has played well enough for Northampton to force his way back into England reckoning.

So it came as no surprise to anyone that Larry kicked six penalties and a conversion. What they may not have realised is that his attacking has improved too. Cross field kicks threatened to breach the France A defence in the first half and then in the 2nd came the killer blow. Grayson went through a half gap and then offloaded brilliantly to Falcons centre Jamie Noon, his break was continued by Gloucester's Andy Hazell before Wasps man Joe Worsley scored the try. Grayson fittingly converted the try he'd created.

So Hats (on wheels) off to Mr Grayson