Six Nations setbacks and Martin Johnson’s options
England rugby has suffered through four consecutive weeks with injuries and other than Tom Croft, who got injured against Springboks last September; they seemed to be in fettle and certain after a respectable Test run and with a full accompaniment from which
to choose. Even of those entire staggering pass rallies by midweek, English training schedules will have been disturbed.
One of the gains of the eight year deal of 110 million Euros signed three years ago with all the Premiership clubs was to allow English elite squad to expend more time jointly. It wasn’t pictured that the troupe would be elbowing for treatment table liberty
during their get-togethers.
Mike Tindall has been acting as a vital element for England rugby recently, a dedicated charisma and one striving with Nick Easter Harlequins number eight to replace Lewis Moody as a captain. Bath’s open side flanker is expected to be back for the fixture
against France on 27th February. Nick Easter led his side to victory of 26-13 over Samoa while Moody and Tindall were on a rest.
Easter is in the right place to lead English rugby team in the frenzy of Millennium Stadium against Wales. The England’s management and coaches believe the fury and a monster yet to be unleashed from Easter, as he will be leading the national team. England
paired Shontayne Hape with Tindall as their most preferable centre partners in November. It was seen to be the most effective pairing, even though it wasn’t as fats or most nuanced. The pair performed rock solid against Australia, when England played all their
strengths to defeat the Wallabies.
If Tindall doesn’t get back totally fit in time for Six Nations then Shontayne Hape is the next preference for outside center, a position where he has played a lot for Bath. This development will result in Riki Flutey to come back in to the squad as inside
center replacing Hape. Flutey has already played at this position during last year’s Six Nations championship and stood his ground firmly.
If not Flutey then there is another option and a strong contender for England at inside center. Matt Banahan, who also plays for Bath have been selected in the squad already and might fill in for Hape’s position. He normally plays as a wing and has scored
many tries for the team.
Martin Johnson, like always is stoic. He has matured accustomed to mishap, identifying that dealing with hinders and setbacks is the sign of a good manager. Mike Tindall’s blow for him is yet another challenge. He believes England has a better “depth” now
days, but a change is needed to get through this challenge. The time is killing itself and options are declining.
D2� ik�/i `Sf be leaving by this summer, as the 28 year old center faces a sturdy choice. He is still left with one year of contract with the Tigers, but a number of clubs are reported to be interested in his availability.
Daniel Hipkiss is a professional rugby union center, who has represented England from U16, U17, U18, and U21 till England-A team. He made his debut for England international squad against Wales at Twickenham. He has been a part of Leicester Tigers since
2001 and scored 125 points for the club in his 121 caps. He was one of the lucky English rugby players to be a part of 2003 World Cup winning side.
Bath is considering its midfield options and is probably looking forward to get Hipkiss for their starting line-up, as Shontayne Hape has still to decide whether he will renew his contract or not. Hipkiss would also be interested if it turns out to be a
serious deal, as the 28 year old center hasn’t made a league start since October 2010.
Alongside Shontayne Hape two more deals are expiring at the end of this season. Olly Barkley and Matt Carraro are the ones with probably their last season. But Barkley was reported to have signed a new contract with Bath this week, while Carraro and Hape’s
future with the club is still doubtful.
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