By Rob Richmond
September 10 2003

Unfortunately for Saints (though not England) fans it looks like all the English Saints will be going to Australia. Air Ben (Cohen), Wally (Steve Thompson) Larry (Paul Grayson) and Daws (Matt Dawson) were all first class. Wally is really beginning to find his feet at international level and is finding the gaps in the centre which I’m sure will reap dividends in October and November.

I still have a doubt over his concentration at line out time. The Kiwis, Aussies and the French all have enough lineout ability to make life tough for Wally and with the greatest respect to him, his throwing accuracy is the first thing to go when anyone attacks his throwing.

This hasn’t happened at international level yet but, international coaches aren’t stupid and he may be targeted. However, when he is stalking the line outside the winger, with a bit of space, everyone is in trouble.

Wally’s ability to play as another big ball carrier for England give them additional balance and helps Dallaglio who has been a bit of a marked man in the past. (particularly after his awesome performance in New Zealand)


Ben, once again showed that he is without a shadow of a doubt world class. Its as simple as that. Apart from Doug Howlett no one gets close to his standard of play.
Great defence, always makes the game line, he eats up the turf like a gazelle.

His attitude is thing that I like the most, his determination and willing to work is what sets him apart from others who have been give oppertunities in the past which they've squandered Ade Adebayo in the past, Healey, over and over, Luger and the list goes on and on.


Daws is still the guy who makes Englands pack tick.
He is the only scrum half who has the vision to open up those small short holes around the sides of rucks and mauls. He is so cute with his running lines, his pass is still pretty crisp despite the worries of others (ahem Mr Barnes?)


Daws is not just a cog in the machine, he is as equally important as Wilkinson or Robinson or Cohen because he can do so many things of the cuff, or, when called for, keep it tight and take control and pressure off of Wilkinson. That wasn’t really shown against the French at Twickenham as he had a free ride but rest assured we will need his cool head and quick breaks in the World Cup

Larry really impressed me tonight. Played flat, tackled like a demon too, strange that. I love it when Larry has a point to prove, to himself or to others, You see this northern grit in the guy which not only pushes him but pushes others around him. The long pass to Balshaw in the second half was outstanding. Heaven forbid anything should happen to Wilko but if he does I’m sure Larry could fill the void after last nights performance.


Generally for England it was a big improvement from last week. Good scrummaging, better lineout, forwards getting over the game line. Balshaw and Ben showed some real killer instinct at times and when given space and opportunity to those two England could have an easy ride.


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