Mike Tindall to lead England against Wales in Six Nations
Mike Tindall finally selected to captain England against Wales in the opening match of Six Nations 2011.
Martin Johnson made this decision today after much consideration. Before this Nick Easter was expected to get the responsibility provided that Tindall is not fit, but Mike Tindall was reported to be fit to play yesterday.
The decision was taken in Portugal during the training camp, when the anticipation and reviews were storming all over England’s management. In the absence of Lewis Moody, Tom Croft and Mike Tindall, Nick Easter was the favourite for the job and Johnson himself
said at an occasion that he will be looking forward to bless Easter with captaincy. But Johnson gave everybody a surprise after this decision.
His plans were held back when Mike Tindall, who is now engaged to the royal blood Zara Phillips, suffered a severe thigh injury last week Thursday. It was confirmed yesterday that the injury wasn’t major and Tindall is fit to join the squad again. Nevertheless,
the reality they took him home to go through an MRI scan in London was an apparent sign of how huge a part of their plans he is.
Johnson has reserved his distinctiveness of stand in skipper under veil of secrecy, satisfying England’s requirement for the captain to attend the event opening by sending Moody. He said that he will be revealing his Monday, two days prior to announcing
the whole squad for Friday’s fixture at Millennium Stadium.
In his 66 cap career, Tindall has never captained England from the start. Although, he served as a vice captain and formerly taken over the armband during games. If during the tournament at some point Tindall is not fit and fails to make it to the field,
Easter will be given the responsibility.
To broaden their options, England will also be keeping a close watch on Manu Tuilagi, who is playing for the first time as outside center against Italy A. The Samoan born English player, who qualified for the national team on the basis of residency, has
proved himself to deserve the next one in line after Easter.
It is believed Tuilagi will be succeeding Tindall for the number 13 shirt. James Simpson Daniel said that he has the potential that England was looking for. He said, “He's young, he's big and he's got a real good skill set. He's definitely one for the future.”
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