Scrum of the Earth /

England have carted in the old boys brigade as they aim to become the first defenders of the Rugby World Cup crown.

Messrs Dallaglio and Farrell join fellow veterans Vickery, Corry, Kay, Regan, Robinson and Gommersall as Ashton has gone for age before beauty.

England goes into the tournament with the plainly embarrassing unwelcome record of being the worst defending champions and for the first time ever everyone has written off their chances! Could it be the time when England least expects?

Strengths: Huge pack and Jonny Wilkinson to steer England in the right direction, don’t expect any dynamism but England could slowly creep towards more glory.

Weaknesses: Unsure over his best side, Ashton hasn’t sorted a centre pairing capable of releasing Robinson and Lewsey in space. England won’t cause any suprises with their tactics so most of the onus will be on the forwards.

One to watch: Danny Hipkiss – major impact for Leicester last season and he’s one of ours!
Waterboy: Matt Tait – slipped down the pecking order.
Most likely to do a ‘Gazza’ and turn on the waterworks: Lawrence Dallaglio – a similar talisman and wears his heart on his sleeve.
Least likely to miss a penalty with a nation ready to pin the blame: Jonny Wilkinson – because he doesn’t play football.

What Owen Finegan says: Semi-final defeat to the All-Blacks
What Scrum of the Earth says: Semi-final loss in a tight one!

Squad list

The Hardnuts
Steve Borthwick, George Chuter, Martin Corry, Lawrence Dallaglio, Nick Easter, Perry Freshwater, Ben Kay, Lee Mears, Lewis Moody, Tom Rees, Mark Regan, Simon Shaw, Andrew Sheridan, Matt Stevens, Phil Vickery (Captain), Joe Worsley.

The Prettyboys
Olly Barkley, Mike Catt, Mark Cueto, Andy Farrell, Andy Gomarsall, Dan Hipkiss, Josh Lewsey, Jamie Noon, Shaun Perry, Peter Richards, Jason Robinson, Paul Sackey, Mathew Tait, Jonny Wilkinson.