Jersey rugby ace Matt Banahan

JERSEY’S Matt Banahan believes he is ready for anything Test rugby can throw at him after emerging from England’s 24-22 defeat by Argentina with his reputation further enhanced – one of only a few to do so.

Showing speed, power and composure, he ran in England’s only try in the 76th minute in front of a nationalistic Pumas crowd whose jumping shook the stands at the Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena in foothills of the Andes.

His score, probably one of his best in an England shirt, set up a nervy finish for Argentina after he combined with Delon Armitage to touch down under the posts, having bumped off Francisco Leonelli in the process of a long-distance charge down the left wing.

The giant 22-year-old Bath winger and former Siam Cup player has adapted to the international game with remarkable ease and has proved one of Martin Johnson’s finds of the season.

Said the former Jersey RFC player, who was winning his second Test cap, but scoring for the third consecutive game for England: It was a very hostile environment but if you can play well in the worst places, hopefully when you visit the nicer places your standards will only rise.’