Why James Haskell Has Most to Prove for England After 2 Games of Six Nations

James Haskell is quickly making waves as one of the rising stars in Stuart Lancaster's England side following some terrific displays in the first two rounds of this year's Six Nations.

However, the Wasps captain is entering a clutch period in his international career, one where the following month could dictate whether he becomes a permanent fixture or slips back into obscurity.

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That isn't by any means to take away from the breathtaking moments Haskell has shown thus far. The 29-year-old has played arguably the best rugby of his career over the past year, and it's shown with him once again shining at flanker for the English team.

The Times' Alex Lowe and Simon Thomas of the Western Mail were among Haskell's biggest admirers following the performance against Wales in Week 1, which served as a marker of intent that Haskell's in this starting XV to stay:

There are, of course, other players in the squad whose places are less secure. The injury troubles seen by the squad in recent months have ravaged Lancaster's options, and Haskell is one of the more pleasing performers to emerge from that reshuffle.

However, as the player's standards have improved, so too have the expectations surrounding him. Haskell will look at the likes of Tom Wood or Tom Croft and know he has some convincing to do before his place in cemented for the World Cup later this year.

That all being said, what's been produced so far has been vastly encouraging. It was a comical moment—though perhaps not for Haskell—when the flanker just missed out on his try at the Millennium Stadium, instead thudding into the post.

But that's Haskell's style of things: Furious tempo and restrained aggression is something this slightly drab England side has been seeking in recent years and Haskell is right on the cusp of providing just that.

The once dethroned back-rower is showing a much more mature attitude to his international career these days, too, quoted by Wales Online as saying after the Wales victory:

"

For some of us it was about banishing our demons here. When we came here in 2013 we were soundly beaten. Every time we go to Cardiff, Wales are very, very fierce opposition with a difficult crowd behind them.

But by the end it felt as though the stadium was full of English fans, which was quite a nice feeling. It's a great place to go and win. Credit to Wales, they were physical and there will be some sore bodies during the week. Any time you get to put on that white shirt and win it is very satisfying. I've probably lost more than I've won with the number of caps I have (54 caps, won 30, lost 22, drawn two).

To get any win, especially against a Welsh side, is very, very special. It does feel very satisfying. But it's always just a little bit marred by the fact that your body is in pieces at the end of it.

"

It's that kind of looking toward the future that shows Haskell can be a leading presence. His display against Scotland wasn't met with quite the same plaudits as that of the outing in Cardiff, but 10 tackles and two defenders beaten, per ESPN Scrum, was impressive nonetheless.

Ex-Bath prop David Flatman had high praise for Haskell following the second-round fixture, noting the tireless effort with which he carried the ball:

For Haskell, energy conservation is something that that could be improved. His superb fitness levels allow for a no-holds-barred, high-pace style, but he might take a page out of Wood's book in knowing when to lay low.

Make no bones about it; 2015 could be the year that Haskell goes from being a very valuable commodity for England, a man who'll merely put his body on the line, to something much more elite.

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In usual terms, one would pick a player out as having the most to prove because they've been disappointing in some capacity or at least failed to meet what's required of them by the team.

However, in Haskell's case, his evolution has been so impressive that he's now lifted his own bar in terms of what can be expected—and frankly, the sky's the limit.