MIKE Stanley has been selected among the replacements for Samoa against England at Twickenham tomorrow.

The 24-year-old fly half kicked 13 points to help Samoa beat Canada 23-13 last Friday.

But he will be back on the bench against Stuart Lancaster’s side.

And his former Southend team-mates will be watching the game together in the club-house, hoping to see him get on.

“It’s fantastic for Mike most of all but it’s great for Southend as a club as well to see someone who was playing for us last season being involved in a game like this,” said Southend Saxons’ director of rugby Chris Green.

“We will all be watching it together in the clubhouse after our own game tomorrow and it would be great if he gets on.”

But Green has not been that surprised by Stanley’s sudden rise as he always knew he had the talent to play at a much higher level.

“Mike was at Saracens for quite some time when he was a kid and he also played for England at quite a few age-groups so he’s always been a big talent,” said Green.

“I think the move he made to New Zealand has really helped him though and has certainly developed his game.

“I think he needed that challenge in his career and he’s certainly getting the benefits of that now.”

Stanley grew up in Thurrock and qualifies to play for Samoa through his father.

But he is not the first member of his family to be playing internationally.

Stanley’s uncle, Joe, won the first World Cup with New Zealand back in 1987 while two of his cousins also represented the All Blacks.

He will now be looking to impress against England.

However, Green is not too concerned about who wins the game.

“To be honest I’ll just be cheering for Southend against Old Elthamians tomorrow,” said Green.

“After that I’m not really too bothered what happens but of course it would be great to see Mike get on.”

Tomorrow’s game at Twickenham kicks off at 7pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports 2.