WORCESTER'S Simon Whatling is a man on a mission, hell-bent on landing the IRB under-21 World Championships in Argentina and impressing the Warriors coaching hierarchy in the process.

Whatling is one of three Warriors in Nigel Redman's 25-man squad in Mendoza and the centre is planning to make a big impression when England kick-off their campaign tomorrow against Samoa.

He only arrived at Worcester from Bath last summer but, after featuring in every Zurich 'A' fixture last term and gaining international caps in the under-21 Six Nations, the Warrior is hoping to catch the eye.

"On a personal level I just want to play well, get a few starts under my belt and impress both the England and Worcester coaches," said Whatling.

"Five games is a lot to play in two weeks so I think everyone will get a game. As a team we want to win every game, simple as that, and hopefully challenge for the tournament.

"We've got to be realistic about it, but I'm sure everyone is going to go out and do their best for the team.

Important

"The first game is going to be important, so if we can go out and beat Samoa, people will take a look at us and say we're in the running.

"The tournament should be a good opportunity for us all and I'm just looking forward to putting on the red rose, getting out there and playing.

"The southern hemisphere guys are going to be there or thereabouts because they always produce good strong teams."

Redman's England have been placed in the same pool as Samoa, France and South Africa, so face a challenge to simply qualify from their group.

The size of the challenge is not lost on Worcester lock Richard Blaze, fellow Sixways man Will Bowley and Whatling.

All of them know they must be at their best if they are to compete with the might of the southern hemisphere.

"The southern hemisphere sides are always a force to be reckoned with, so we'll be looking out for them," said Bowley.

"It's a massive honour to play for your country. Not many people get the opportunity and it's a great feeling to put the white jersey on.

"To go out and sing the national anthem is just unbelievable, but it's going to be a very tough proposition."