Martin Johnson seeks strength in reserve for England

Click to download the image above as a full-sized PDF file David Hands, Rugby Union Correspondent Every successful side must have a strong spine. Strong players but also strong decision-makers because the spine embraces those by whose form the team as a whole will stand or fall — from hooker, through the No 8 to the half backs and, finally, full back. This is what Martin Johnson has been seeking since he became England team manager 15 months ago — a hard core of players around whom he can build a side to be measured against the World Cupwinning squad he led as a player. Individuals with experience, preferably, but also with that dependable quality: the ability to maintain a standard no matter the opposition. Think of the spine that won the World Cup in 2003: Steve Thompson and Lawrence Dallaglio in the forwards, Matt Dawson,... [read full story]                    

powered by