Stephen Jones conducts The Sunday Times' latest round table as the November Tests approach.
“Stephen Jones: Ah, it’s Autumn, lads. A galaxy of big games. All the Southern Hemisphere giants; Jonny’s back; Johnno under the cosh; the All Blacks might even be vulnerable; and Ireland can get some revenge for the Lions against South Africa. Italy have sold out the San Siro in Milan for the All Blacks. It’s not the worst prospect, is it?
“Jeremy Guscott: Who’s going to come up with the big line this time? Jonesy, last time we had a Round Table you came out with the crap that Brian O’ Driscoll wasn’t going to make the Lions. And you’ve got bloody Wigglesworth in your England team.
“SJ: All I was saying is that even icons are not above criticism. Except you, Prince of Centres. And Wigglesworth is much under-rated.
“Lawrence Dallaglio: I want to know what England’s objectives are this Autumn. No-one in an England tracksuit has come out and said: “We want to be the best team in the World.“ I don’t feel that many of the squad would know what getting to the top of the world entails and at the moment, in terms of their fitness and every other aspect of their game, they are a long way off it. I would also like the England players to be put under more pressure. I want Martin Johnson to lay down the law. I’d like him to say, publicly: ”You’ve had 30 caps, it’s about time you delivered, mate.”
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