Hooker Lucy Calladine is determined for Loughborough Lightning to put in a good performance on both sides of the ball this weekend away to Saracens.
The African Violets head to their north London rivals on Sunday (kick-off: 3pm), sat in fourth place in the Premiership Women’s Rugby table following their 50-15 victory last time out against Leicester Tigers.
“As a team, I feel like we’ve been really trying to work on our identity,” said the England U20 forward.
“I think against Harlequins, we showed our attacking identity and against Sale, our defensive [identity], but we’ve not quite been able to link the two together in a full 80-minute performance yet.
“So, as a group, we really want to show that against Saracens and for me personally, I want to be able to link those two and put a good performance out.”
With Scotland hooker Elis Martin out rehabilitating from knee surgery, Calladine has grabbed her opportunity with both hands so far this season. She has featured in all eight of Lightning’s PWR and PWR: The Cup games, scoring six tries along the way.
Her most recent was in the 74th minute against Tigers, when she drove over powerfully after spotting an unguarded edge of a close-range ruck.
Calladine is going toe-to-toe with USA international hooker Kathryn Treder, who she lists as one of the key influences on her blossoming rugby career.
“I think Christine Belisle is really beneficial and has really helped me with scrummaging,” Calladine added.
“Then Kathryn Treder, my fellow hooker, has given me advice and knowledge on the game. Her experience has been really beneficial as well. Those two are very important for me to go to if I’m struggling with anything.
“Lilli Ives Campion sees the game as a young player, I think she’s a good person to lean on as well for some advice, especially around lineouts and because that’s kind of her forte.”
The age-grade international came into the start of the new season off the back of a Summer Series MVP award for England in the U20 Six Nations, and has impressed head coach Nathan Smith.
“Lucy’s done really well,” he said. “I think her carrying has been really good; she’s really brave. What I like about Lucy is that she’s really coachable, so, although she stepped up physically, she’s prepared to listen to. She’s prepared to listen to feedback and constantly improve, which is great.”
Sunday’s trip to north London presents a difficult challenge for Smith’s Lightning side, with Saracens on a four-game winning streak and a dismantling of Trailfinders Women away in Round 5.
“They’ve been exceptional, probably in the form team in the PWR,” Smith continued.
“We know that they’re an extremely experienced team that works well together. Their forward pack is a strong, tough unit that will put them on the front foot, and we need to be in a position to counter them.
“And then, they look to move the ball wide with some exceptional backs. So, if we don’t stop them up front, then it’s going to be a tough day.”