The New Look England

The Ones To Watch Out For

Martin Johnson, England team manager, 84 caps

Undeniably one of the finest locks to have ever played, Martin Johnson led England to Grand Slam and World Cup glory in 2003. An institution at Leicester, whom he led to back-to-back Heineken Cup victories and four league titles, Johnson also toured with the British and Irish Lions three times and is the only man to have captained them on two separate tours. Renowned for his courage and inspiring presence, Johnson became England captain in 1999. Alongside Clive Woodward, he fashioned a side in his own uncompromising image and little but success followed - culminating in that night in Sydney where England finally got their hands on the Webb-Ellis trophy. Johnson subsequently retired from international rugby, and played his final season for Leicester in 2005.  It was inevitable that such a

Andrew Sheridan, prop, Sale Sharks, 22 caps

An absolute mountain of a man, Andrew Sheridan is perhaps the shape of things to come in international rugby. Standing 6’5” tall and weighing in at more than 18 stone, Sheridan is one of the largest prop forwards in history. Phenomenally powerful, Sheridan is a near elite-class powerlifter whose ability to bench-press 225 kilograms has garnered much media attention since his England debut against Canada in 2004. But to concentrate solely on his physical strength would be to underplay his excellent technical work in the scrum.  He is perhaps best known for twice demolishing his Australian counterparts, once in 2005 and again in the 2007 World Cup, a performance that won him the man of the match award.

Tom Croft, flanker, Leicester Tigers, four caps

One of a clutch of young and exciting back row forwards in and around the England squad, Tom Croft is an exceptional prospect.  Blessed with the sort of pace usually found out on the wing, Croft could be the player who helps solve England’s perennial problem of linking forwards and backs. Former England captain Martin Corry believes England have never had a player blessed with his abundant abilities, and there seems little doubt that his exceptional work-rate and excellent hands could make the number seven Croft’s own over the coming season. First he will have to muscle his way past the likes of Lewis Moody, Tom Rees and James Haskell, but should he do so, expect big things.

Danny Cipriani, fly-half, London Wasps, three caps

The new poster boy of English rugby, Danny Cipriani’s return to the pitch is doubly welcome following Jonny Wilkinson’s recent knee injury.  An outstanding talent, Cipriani possesses plenty of pace, a sure kicking game and tremendous passing range off either hand.  When you consider that these physical attributes are coupled to a healthy ambition and a comfort in the limelight rare in one so young, you can understand why Cipriani has the Twickenham faithful so excited. Whilst his early season appearances will have to be carefully managed, owing to a serious ankle injury picked up back in May, Cipriani will be champing at the bit to take advantage of the opportunity Wilkinson’s injury has afforded him. With the likes of Charlie Hodgson and Toby Flood also turning in impressive performances of late, England, even without Wilkinson, have real strength in depth at number 10.

respected player would return to rugby in some capacity, and so it proved when it was announced he was replacing Brian Ashton at the head of the English team. He took the helm on 1 July 2008 by announcing his first elite performance squad. 

Steve Borthwick, lock, Saracens, 39 caps

Steve Borthwick’s performance as captain was one of the few bright points of England’s recent tour of New Zealand. An intelligent and forceful leader, Borthwick’s resilience and set piece acumen will form a large part of England’s plans in 2008-09. With Martin Johnson no doubt anxious to reassert England’s dominance at the line out, Borthwick’s reliable hands make him an obvious choice for the second row. With plenty of power to back up his undoubted technical abilities, Borthwick is simply a high-class rugby player.

Mathew Tait, utility back, Sale Sharks, 24 caps

A player possessing abundant natural gifts, Mathew Tait has endured a frustrating time of it since he turned in arguably the best performance by a player in an England shirt during the 2007 World Cup final. An elusive runner and effective tackler, it seems as if Tait’s versatility has hampered his efforts in nailing down a slot in the final XV, and he spent much of the 2008 RBS 6 Nations on the bench before coming on to score a try during the cathartic victory over Ireland and further emphasise his rich potential.  Equally comfortable at centre, on the wing or at full-back, Tait’s agility and use of intelligent angles makes him especially dangerous when running the ball from deep. This fact has led many observers to call for an extended run at 15 for the 22-year-old flyer, a position he has filled with aplomb for Sale in recent weeks. With Martin Johnson eager to increase England’s attacking potency, this international season could mark the coming of age of Tait at the highest level.

Paul Sackey, wing, London Wasps, 15 caps

England’s outstanding winger for the past 12 months, Paul Sackey has already racked up eight tries in his international career. With foot speed to burn, Sackey has always been a handful when in possession and his defensive work has improved beyond all measure over the last three seasons. His eye for the early hit got England out of trouble on several occasions throughout the 2007 World Cup, and his sharp hands and massive leap means he is rarely out-jumped when the opposition attempt a cross-field kick.  However, it is in his primary role as a try-scorer that England need Sackey to produce. An excellent finisher with a real sense of opportunism, he is currently the man in possession, although with the likes of Tom Varndell and James Simpson-Daniel pushing hard for recognition, the contest for a spot in the back three is fierce.