Lawrence Dallaglio: Spark-free zone (From The Northern Echo)

Lawrence Dallaglio: Spark-free zone

9:42am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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The former England skipper writes for The Northern Echo during the RBS 6 Nations.

WHEN old enemies collide, sparks will fly. Unfortunately, the only fireworks on show during England’s draw with Scotland last weekend were those which greeted the teams before kick-off.

Both teams needed a win to get their campaigns back on track, but neither got what they wanted – and neither deserved to.

England were particularly lacklustre in the first 20 minutes. I was expecting, or hoping, that Martin Johnson’s men would come charging out of the blocks, with the Irish defeat still in the memory, and assert some authority.

Tentative play from both teams meant scoring chances were at a premium but the impressive Dan Parks and ever-reliable Jonny Wilkinson, who overtook Ronan O’Gara as the top points scorer in Five / Six Nations history, traded penalties.

Johnson’s refusal to start with either of the young Northampton duo Ben Foden or Courtney Lawes, as well as the surprising decision to drop Lewis Moody, meant that there was a wealth of talent on the bench.

If ever there was a time to make use of the reserve pool then this was it. However, England emerged for the second period unchanged and were immediately forced into a rethink when Wilkinson was forced off injured, although not before he had levelled the scores at 9-9.

Flood replaced him and was soon followed onto the pitch by Foden, finally given a bit of time to show what he can offer, replacing the ineffective Delon Armitage. His withdrawal was tactical but Ugo Monye’s certainly wasn’t.

He was ushered from the field of play after a big collision with Kelly Brown.

Thankfully Ugo has recovered and it was a rare moment during the game where an England player decided to put his body on the line for the sake of the team. That is how it should be, old fashioned commitment.

Scotland always make it difficult for England at Murrayfield. The passion and determination on show was remarkable and if they could display the same commitment in every game, they would be a nuisance for any opponent.

The French have been head and shoulders above the rest this year and during their latest victory, against Italy at the Stade de France, played some scintillating stuff.

With Imanol Harinordoquy leading by example up front and Morgan Parra dictating the pace behind, they have found the perfect blend of defensive grit and attacking flair.

Their play is both decisive and incisive and has all the dynamism that I was looking for England to display.

If England are to stand any chance of victory the forwards will have to stand up and be counted. They can’t afford to be bullied and now that they have nothing to lose, should be able to play with some freedom.

■ The last time I was at the Stade de France I was strapped to the saddle during the Dallaglio Cycle Slam. In total I cycled 2,800km, with the help of some dedicated friends, from Rome to Murrayfield, taking in Paris, Twickenham, Cardiff and Dublin along the way. It’s all been in aid of Sport Relief and the Dallaglio Foundation.To relive parts of the ride or to make a donation please visit www.-dallagliocycleslam.com Lawrence Dallaglio is rugby ambassador for Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of England Rugby.

King IPA, the Official Beer of England Rugby. To find your nearest Official England Rugby Supporter Pub visit www.greenekingipa.co.uk