A new England era dawns, where post the traumas of the Summer Tours not much remains of the England structure that won the 2003 World Cup. Two Robinsons now rul e the roost. We have a new coach in Andy Robinson who has already demonstrated a capacity for taking on the Old Guard - both Matt Dawson and Mark Regan finding out who is boss. We have already had two new captains in Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson and it is Jason Robinson who will lead the team out on Saturday - Jason is both the first black player and ex-Rugby League league player to have such an honour. Our congratulations go to a player who four seasons ago, freely admitted he had no idea what was going on during a match! On to team selection - I’m really not sure what this team is hoping to achieve apart from a win against a side which were soundly beaten by a strong Italian side. Now remember that the Italian sides have been struggling in the Heineken Cup (well done Treviso!) so an England team stuffed with players playing in the senior and junior European competitions should do well. So what have we got - a front row which features at least one player who will not make the 2007 World Cup - Graham Rowntree. Loyal Tiger’s servant but why not Sheridan and a test for the future? Thompson is throwing well for Saints - amazing but true but at club level he has jumpers of real quality in Browne and Lord. White is playing very well for Tigers so deserves his place. In the second row, I’m even more baffled - Danny Grewcock - how often does a player get an international chance? He’s a great footballer but his discipline time and time again has let his team down - I hoping this one is really down to injuries to players such as Alex Brown of Gloucester. The back row ls an experiment with Andy Hazell being called up at the last minute - who is the creative driving force? Corry we hope. The half back pairing is a real case of make do and mend but I’m really pleased for Charlie Hodgson because he’s the form 10 in the Zippee and should have got the shirt anyway. At scrum half - well as I’m writing this it’s Andy Gomersall but it could be Matt Dawson or even Hall Charlton. It’s a shame because the form 9 is Harry Ellis who I think has the makiings of a fiesty, tough, quick international scrum half. The back line has two newcomers in Mark Cueto and Henry Paul. Cueto is a strong wing who works well with the centres and Steve Hanley in particular at Sale Sharks - I’ll be interested to see how involved he gets in the game and is served by the centres. I don’t see Canada’s pace being a problem for Cueto’s defensive skills. Henry Paul - well it’s already known on this site I’m no fan - I wish him well, he is a talented footballer but has been known to demonstrate frailty on the big occasion - if that happens against Canada, will we see him against the Boks and Aussies? As for the rest - Robinson, Lewsey and Tindall are all proven world class players who deserve their places. Either way it’s good luck to all - the new boys and those that have already tested success. Let’s hope this Autumn series is the first step to glory in 2007 - go for it boys!!!

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