Lawrence Dallaglio explains why he is optimistic ahead of England's clash with New Zealand.
Changes are positive for England
Lawrence Dallaglio told
Sky Sports News why he is optimistic about England's chances against New Zealand.
England manager Martin Johnson has rung the changes for the last of the autumn internationals against the All Blacks at Twickenham. Johnson has called Simon Shaw, Joe Worsley and Ayoola Erinle into the starting XV, while Mark Cueto switches to full-back with Ugo Monye moving to the wing.
Critics have said that Johnson's selection smacks of damage limitation, but 2003 World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio does not go along with that.
"That is not how I see that at all, I am far more optimistic this week than I was last week or the week before," Dallaglio told Sky Sports news.
"What Martin Johnson has brought in is world class Test match proven players.
"Guys like Joe Worsley, Simon Shaw who have played in World Cups and Heineken Cup finals and that is the quality and calibre of players you need to play New Zealand.
"The England backrow of Lewis Moody, James Haskell and Worsley to me looks like an England backrow. It has got class written all over it.
"Everyone in the country who knows anything about rugby has been calling for Simon Shaw to come back so I don't think that is a great surprise."
Taking his chance
Dallaglio also believes that Erinle deserves his chance at the highest level.
"He brings his size and his physicality to the game," added Dallaglio who played with Erinle at wasps.
"He is a strong running player and he is skilful player in his ability to step and he is a strong defender.
"He may not have played at the very highest level for England but that is because very few coaches before Martin Johnson have actually given him much of a chance. I think he is thoroughly deserving of his chance and I am delighted for him. I think the changes are very positive and hopefully the way England play will be little more positive too.
"If there was one criticism of England last week it was how conservative they were - they overplayed the conditions, they were negative. They resorted to a kicking game against Argentina and if you are going to do that then you are going to end up with a score that is pretty close."
Holding judgement
Dallaglio believes that England will give it their all against New Zealand and also believes that the criticism of England has been too harsh and hasty.
"England have been poor - we know that and England would admit that. But they have this game to go out and prove how they can play and really have a go at New Zealand - who are not as polished as they once were and there are chinks in their armoury."
"England have to get out their and play with that real physicality and aggression and go for the New Zealand jugular. It is 15 men against 15 men and the crowd will get behind this England team.
"I think people just need to be a little bit measured and tempered with their criticism. It is alright coming out with the broadsides but you need to come up with the solutions as well - at the moment England don't have too many solutions because they are not picking from a full squad.
"I think people need to calm down with their criticism and not get carried away just yet. The time to really judge England is after the Six Nations.
"I am one of these guys who will hold my judgement until we see a full strength England team and after the Six Nations."
While Dallaglio is not quite prepared to call this game, he does say that if England are to win on Saturday, then they need to score tries.
"I expect a very strong England performance - obviously they will need a spectacular one to win the game and New Zealand go into the game as overwhelming favourites but there has got to be a siege mentality in the change room and I expect them to come out and really take the game to them and rip into them.
"They have to score tries too - to beat the kiwis they are going to have to score at least two tries."
