David Hands was unsurprised by England's selection of Toby Flood for their trip to Ireland - and believes that the Leicester fly-half must kick his goals in order to be a success in The Times.
"That England should make no more than one change to the starting XV against Ireland, the leaders of the RBS Six Nations Championship, was entirely predictable. When Toby Flood was not released back to his club, Leicester, last week it signalled that he would return at fly half in Dublin, the position he has started twice in the last nine months - both against New Zealand.
"Such was the improvement in the shape and purpose of England's game against Wales that, even though the result was an eight-point defeat, the bulk of the XV was always going to be retained. The one thing that Martin Johnson has sought since he became team manager was consistency of selection and there was no compelling reason to change elsewhere.
"At this stage of the side's development, there was little prospect of amendment to the back row. A more confident, fluid England might look for greater pace from No 8 than Nick Easter can provide but he offers a rallying point, a strong ball-carrying presence while Joe Worsley, not your traditional fetcher-carrier on the open-side flank, proved how well he can do a specific job in Cardiff.
"But if Flood is seen as the market leader in the pivotal role, he has to kick his goals. England have been profligate in giving opponents the chance to keep the scoreboard ticking over, now they have to do the same themselves. Andy Goode, though he kicked five goals against Italy, also missed with three more while Flood, coming on as a replacement against Wales, missed a vital penalty late in the game which would have increased pressure on the grand-slam holders."
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