Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Armitage inspired by Robinson

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Delon Armitage

PA Photos

Armitage inspired by Robinson

9 November 2008, 2:17 pm

By Catherine Goble

England full-back Delon Armitage has revealed a text message from Jason Robinson inspired his stunning debut against the Pacific Islanders.

Armitage was named man of the match for his star turn in Saturday's 39-13 victory at Twickenham - capping an amazing change in fortunes for the 24-year-old.

Initially left out of the second-string England Saxons squad unveiled by Martin Johnson in July, he was fast-tracked straight into the elite player squad late last month to cover for injury.

And far from being overawed by his first Test, the London Irish star lit up Twickenham with some cavalier running which repeatedly shredded the Islanders' defence.

Johnson declared he had not seen a better debut and Armitage thanked Robinson, the England World Cup winner and one his predecessors at 15, for flooding him with self-belief.

"Jason Robinson texted me before the match and that was a big lift. To have someone like him get in touch was great," he said.

"He was being really nice to me - he said go out there and enjoy it, saying I deserve my place in the team and it's where I should be.

"A great player like that telling you that sort of thing gives you confidence. Filling a shirt that he's worn just makes you more nervous.

"It was my first text from Jason as he was my enemy at Sale in the Premiership.

"To get a text from him was brilliant and a big boost. Jason was a great player."