Geoff Parling claims a line-out © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Geoff Parling

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | Leicester Tigers

Geoff Parling hopes his line-out prowess allows him to become a vital member of the England side in this year's Six Nations.

The Leicester lock made a bright start in the 19-12 defeat to Wales at Twickenham, with England winning all but one of their own line-outs. Parling missed last season with injury but after gaining selection ahead of Tom Palmer, the 28-year-old believes he can learn from his first start under Stuart Lancaster.

"I felt empty afterwards," Parling told the Telegraph. "Just drained. Emotionally and physically spent. I literally could hardly move. We know we had a chance to close it out and didn't do it. It was hugely frustrating.

"But looking at my role specifically, I thought our line-out went pretty well. We lost one line-out ball. But after we lost it - it was a communication error, that's all, we'll learn from it - we stole two of theirs and put good pressure on them.

"I'm someone who probably dwells more on the negatives than the positives but I thought I got around the park OK and worked hard."

Parling was perhaps left to rue labelling himself "a line-out nerd" prior to the Twickenham clash, but the Leicester man ackowledges his efforts in reviewing set-pieces aids both club and country.

"I keep getting called a nerd now," he said. "I think I need a new nickname. But no, I feel that's one of my strengths.

"I feel like if I wasn't doing that for the team that would be one of my talents wasted. Like a goal kicker who isn't kicking. I enjoy the responsibility. I enjoy being able to organise people.

"Last Saturday was a proud day. It was something I have waited a long time to do. But I don't want to be the guy who has just has a few caps, who started a game at Twickenham.

"At the end of my career I want to be able to say I won a whole number of caps, and more importantly, some silverware as well."