FOR all the excitement around the England game at the weekend, it was a wrench being away from Edgeley Park when the lads played Sale.

Away at the league-leaders are the sorts of games you don't want to miss -- even if you can't play you want to be there at the ground.

Although I am away from the team, they are my mates as well as my club colleagues and I have spoken to them all week.

I know the lads are very disappointed and they really felt they could've got something, especially given the time of year, but it wasn't to be.

I actually don't think the Sale game will have a huge impact on the guys' confidence but tomorrow's match is still huge for us.

You never want to double up with another loss so it is a massive game.

If you look at the league there's a bit of a split but not much and the teams at the bottom are good sides with quality players.

We know what it's like to be in Bristol's position and they are playing some quality rugby and are very, very dangerous.

The moment you take your foot off the pedal you are in real trouble. We all remember Leeds won six on the bounce last season and the league can change around very quickly.

We need to get back to winning ways and it won't be easy as it's something of a local derby.

It will also be a real challenge because Richard Hill is one of the most competitive guys you will ever meet. He has coached me and I know his sides only come to win.

For me personally, there's been a real mixture of emotions this week.

I have been at England's Penny Hill training camp, in Bagshott, since last Sunday, but it feels like about six months! I see my family at weekends but its tough being away from it all.

I have really missed the guys and the craic at Worcester -- to me playing at the club is not work at all because I enjoy it so much. Being with England is a slightly different scenario and a more intense environment.

There is more of a short-term focus with training because you tend to prepare for the next match rather than thinking about a league campaign.

And you can't replicate the atmosphere at your club.

But with England we have a group of guys who really get on and if you don't look forward to games against Australia and New Zealand you are doing the wrong job.

I enjoyed the match very much on Saturday.

It's great to get one over on Australia and I was pretty satisfied with how I played.

Defensively, I think I went well and I got through a lot of tackles.

The hits are definitely bigger at international level but I was pretty happy with how my body held up the next day.

I am well rested and feeling really good now and not carrying any niggles, which is always a bonus.

The result gives us confidence but we know there is still a long way to go and we have been reminded in no uncertain terms this weekend will be a different game altogether.

We know if we play well we can win and I am totally excited about it.

Saturday can't come soon enough!