Martin Johnson has ripped up England’s pack ahead of the 2023 Six Nations, suggesting new boss Steve Borthwick should make a number of big changes.
The former Leicester chief will have to hit the ground running, finalising his coaching team and his Six Nations squad by mid-January, and he warned against any England fans expecting overnight fixes.
"We have got a lot of work to do. A lot of people have said we are behind other nations, and we are," he said.
"In 47 days' time when we play Scotland, we won't be perfect, but what everyone needs to see is just how much these players are going to fight for this team, and inspire this crowd so they are so proud of this team."
His former coach Johnson, who famously led England to the World Cup as captain in 2003, suggested making a number of significant changes to the pack at a recent speaking engagement.
MARTIN JONHSON'S ENGLAND PACK:
FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
- 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)
- 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
SECOND -ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
- 5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Ben Earl (Saracens)
- 7. Sam Underhill (Bath RFC)
- 8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Alex Dombrandt of England warms up before the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Martin Johnson Has Been Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Captain In History
Being the captain of a team is a major honour and responsibility. Only players that have leadership qualities and those that lead by example can take the responsibility.
A great captain can be the difference between a team that underwhelms or a team that dominates.
Over the years of following the game, we’ve seen captains come and go. Some are successful, others less so, and only a few leave a lasting legacy.
In international rugby, over the past many years, there have been several iconic captains. These players created a legacy at their respective clubs and have a legendary status in them.
With that in mind, who was the greatest rugby captain of all time? 1,000 RUCK readers have been ranking our selection of captains with England legend Martin Johnson being ranked the best of all-time.
The best rugby captains should have the following qualities:
- A great player
- Inspire confidence in their team
- Takes responsibility
- Lead by example
- Great sportsmanship
- Tactical knowhow
- Excellent communicator
- Emotional discipline
Greatest Ever Rugby Captains: Top 20
20. Phillipe Saint-Andre (France)
19. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
18. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
17. John Dawes (Wales)
16. Will Carling (England)
15. Agustín Pichot (Argentina)
14. John Smit (South Africa)
13. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby
12. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
11. Sam Warburton (Wales)
10. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
9. Sarah Hunter (England)
8. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Alun Wyn Jones facts:
- He is the first player in the professional era to have played in nine consecutive Tests for the Lions having been involved in all three series
- Alun Wyn Jones has a law degree from Swansea University and he graduated in 2010
- nothing. Second rows wearing white rugby boots was quite unusual. That’s how he got the nickname Alun Gwyn Boots
- His father, Tim Jones, was a respected solicitor who also played rugby for Swansea, and his funeral in 2016 drew hundreds from the legal and rugby worlds. One of life’s true characters.
- Wife of the Lions captain and mum to their two daughters Mali and Efa, Anwen, who is a doctor of physiology, is a Welsh-speaking physiology lecturer at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University.
7. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
5. John Eales (Australia)
4. Willie John McBride (Ireland)
3. Francois Pienaar (South Africa)
2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
1. Martin Johnson (England)
Martin Johnson facts:
- Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler. His younger brother Will is also a former back row forward for Leicester.
- He briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end.
- Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales.
