Michael Aylwin discusses the importance of No.8 Nick Easter to England's masterplan in The Observer.
"If only we could be there to watch as Martin Johnson sucks on his pencil in the build-up to England's first international of the autumn against New Zealand in seven weeks. It might put a dampener on many an animated debate down the pub, but at least we could see for ourselves who the first name on his teamsheet is.
"A tenner says it will be Nick Easter. For a start, he is the only No.8 named in the senior elite player squad released by England this summer. Teams need their No.8s, what with their being the numerical, physical and often spiritual centre of a side. If there is only one of them in your squad the chances are his name will be written down first in the middle of the page, and that the rest of the sheet will be filled out from there.
"Either way, Easter is one of England's most vital points of reference as they approach the autumn internationals, their last chance to have a pop at the southern hemisphere big boys before the World Cup. Which is quite an achievement, given that he first played in the Premiership only six years ago and made his England debut three years later."
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