Dallaglio rates England's chances
Former Test captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes England have what it takes to be competitive in New Zealand, despite a growing injury list.
Former Test captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes England have what it takes to be competitive in New Zealand, despite a growing injury list.
The English head to New Zealand under the guidance of Rob Andrew as the clear underdogs for their two Test series against an All Blacks side still smarting from their failed World Cup campaign.
The English squad has been depleted by injuries to Danny Cipriani, Dan Hipkiss and Paul Sackey, but Dallaglio – who retired after leading Wasps to the Guinness Premiership title last Saturday – insists they can still give the home side a run for their money.
“Make no mistake, New Zealand is a tough place to win. We won our first game there in 30 years the year we won the World Cup and we had a pretty good team then so it will be tough,” he told the AFP.
“But this England team has a lot of opportunities. A lot of guys will want to stake their claims for next season, there is a new coach in Martin Johnson and everyone will be fully aware that everything is up for grabs. You have to use that to your advantage.
“I think it will be very competitive. The games are being played under the existing laws rather than the new ELVs [Experimental Law Variations] so it should benefit England.”
The England touring group flew to New Zealand on Monday along with Dallaglio's 20-year-old Wasps teammate Dominic Waldouck, who was called up 24 hours before departure, but the former stalwart is confident the youngster will hold his own.
Waldouck, who graduated through England's age-group teams with Cipriani, has been called in to replace Leicester centre Hipkiss, who fractured his cheekbone on Saturday.
His selection is no surprise to Dallaglio despite the youngster not being a regular in his club's starting line-up for much of the season.
“He's a young player with enormous potential, enormous talent, has a couple of medals under his belt already and is doing very, very well,” he said.
“He's had a few injuries this year and Riki Flutey's come in but Dominic is a huge part of Wasps' plans going forward.
“For them to have the confidence to put him straight into a final against a team like Leicester speaks volumes for the club's faith in Dominic's ability and he's got his rewards with a place on the tour to New Zealand.”