England kick things off on Friday night against Fiji (KO 8pm) and with the team already announced, Lawes is excited to be involved at Twickenham.
“It’s an honour to start a home World Cup,” he said. “It’s such a competitive team and I’m just thankful that Stuart has put his trust in me.
“We know Fiji are very good and it’s going to be a brilliant contest on Friday night. We haven’t got an easy group, but if we can get through that it should leave us in good stead for the knockout games. We’re very much looking forward to it.
“It’s a tough ask, but we’re ready to step up and take that kind of challenge on.”
Matfield meanwhile was in positive but not complacent mood ahead of South Africa’s opener with Japan in Brighton this Saturday (KO 4:45pm).
“We are very happy,” the Springbok added. “We think we have got a great squad, a good balance with experience and a lot of great young players.
“However, it is going to be a tough World Cup, I've said it before, I think it's probably going to be the most competitive anyone has ever seen. There's probably eight or nine teams that can win this competition, so it's going to be very tough, and I think it's going to be a great Rugby World Cup.”
Franklin’s Gardens is the only place in Northampton with an outdoor cinema screen for some of the tournament’s biggest matches, including England’s clashes with Wales (Sept 26th) and Australia (Oct 3rd), as well as all four quarter finals. To book your tickets for these special events head to www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets
