On This Day: Martin Johnson takes on the whole of Ireland

Six Nations

by Rugby Rucker

Friday, 03 February 2017 at 14:43

byRugby Rucker

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It was an unintended act of defiance but Martin Johnson's decision not to obey the exhortations of a steward to move along the carpet so that Ireland could take their usual place in 2003 set the tone for the day on which England finally did claim a Grand Slam.

Even the Irish president, Mary McAleese had to get her shoes dirty to perform the ceremonial handshaking.

That moment has since been described as defining footstep towards that team going on to lift the Rugby World Cup in Sydney later that year.

Martin Johnson’s fights: Five of his iconic SCRAPS

Despite being England's inspirational captain at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Martin Johnson did occasionally hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

1. Doddie Weir

After an argument breaks out at a scrum, Leicester lock Martin Johnson lands a punch on the chin of Scottish lock playing for the Barbarians Doddie Weir during their match in May 1999 at Twickenham.

2. Peter Stringer

3. Robbie Russell

England's grizzled World Cup winning captain lets fly at Robbie Russell.

4.Christophe Juillet

Johnson is sin binned after punching Stade Français number 8 Christophe Juillet in the face in the 2001 Heineken Cup final after the Frenchman was holding onto his shirt.

5. John Leslie

Johnson is fortunate only to be shown a yellow card by referee David McHugh after stamping on the throat of Scotland centre John Leslie during the 5 Nations match at Twickenham in February 1999. The incident caused a small controversy after the match with the Scottish sports minister Sam Galbraith describing it as an "absolutely appalling act", however Johnson claimed he just wanted to ruck Leslie out and that he didn't connect with the throat deliberately.