Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Shakespeare knew what he was talking about when he put those words in the mouth of Henry IV, and the England Rugby Union team will vouchsafe for it: their crown is looking precariously balanced.

Of their last 13 games, England have won five, four of them since Brian Ashton took over as head coach at the beginning of this year. That may sound like the team is making good progress under new management - until you realise that they’ve only won one of their last five games. Admittedly, they put a huge score on the board against Wales, but it was a lacklustre second team fielded by their Celtic neighbours.

From England’s viewpoint the game was a triumph for their forwards, who totally annihilated the Welsh pack in a tremendous step-up in form from recent showings. Ask Brian Moore; he’ll tell you it’s the forwards who win the game but for Australian observer, Brent Cockbain, speaking at half-time, '‘those were five of the most uninspiring tries I’ve ever seen in international rugby.’' (The fact that he plays for Wales didn’t affect Cockbain's judgement at all, of course.)

'Not just a phenomenal goal-kicker and a whole-hearted tackler, Wilkinson has become a talisman for his country. His return is significant'


Last weekend’s game against France showed further improvement; even though England lost; this time it was a whole team effort, with the backs involved as well. A win away over France this weekend would do much to bolster the English confidence – some may say arrogance - that has taken a battering since 2003. But is it too little, too late? And what happened to the team that was on top of the world?

What happened was that England lost their heart in the shape of five major players.

Clive Woodward’s departure was understandable. He’d done what he had to do and there was no challenge remaining. A severe clinician, he’d dotted every 'i' and left no 't' uncrossed in the team’s preparations, the result being the trophy - and accusations of being boring. For Andy Robinson, taking over, a hard task lay ahead.

But it was the retirement of Martin Johnson that was, without doubt, the biggest blow. Always 110% committed, he played relentlessly, leading from the front and never asking anyone to do something he wouldn’t. An inspirational leader and team-player, England still haven’t found anyone to step into his giant captain’s boots.

The most accomplished cheat in the game, Neil Back, has been sadly missed. He could make sure the ball came out of rucks and mauls in the right direction. Skilful and courageous, he turned cheating into an art form that others could only try to emulate.

Maybe Matt Dawson’s finest attribute was his ability to p*** off the opposition in word and deed. A good, quick-witted scrum-half, he was quick to make the ref aware of any indiscretions on the part of the opposing players. But along with the jibes and advice, Matt the Mouth encouraged and directed his own players.

Johnny Wilkinson’s string of injuries has kept him, more or less, out of the England side until recently. Not just a phenomenal goal-kicker and a whole-hearted tackler, he has become a talisman for his country. His return is significant.

The team that won the 2003 World Cup was perfectly orchestrated. They worked together, slowly driving forward, never losing their patience. Their defence was superb and their win was well-deserved.

But can they do the same this year?

There are a number of promising young players who have been kept on the sidelines too long; faith has been – and is being with the announcement of the England squad - put in some ‘old’ players. Maybe the mix of old heads and young legs is one that will triumph. If it’s not too late.

Barring a major upset, England will reach the quarter-finals to play - again barring upsets - Australia or Wales, either of whom could beat them on a good day – as Wales did just a few short months ago.

England have talented backs; they have a pack that can push its weight around. They could win the World Cup.

But I think it will be the All Blacks that take the prize. And if Wales can’t win it, I can think of no other team I’d prefer to see win than the thrilling men in black.