Former England international Mike Catt calls for Martin Johnson to drop his old midfield team-mate Mike Tindall for England's quarter-final against France, in the Sunday Telegraph.
"It’s time for Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood to play in the same side, with Mike Tindall giving way. A tough call I know, but after watching yesterday’s fortuitous victory over Scotland, Johnno must make the biggest call of the competition.
"I mention 2003 because there is a certain symmetry about the next seven days and what happened eight years. On that occasion, Clive Woodward made the call to play myself and Jonny in the semi against France. He left Mike (Tindall) on the bench because he felt that if Jonny was picked as the only viable kicking option, France would get at him.
"He based his decision on fact. Two years prior to the semi-final in Sydney, Jonny had been destroyed by the French. He had fought a lone battle and lost. He was the only kicking option on that occasion and they were successful in targeting him. Clive picked me at centre so we had a second option. It took the pressure off Jonny and we all know what happened – we won quite comfortably and booked our place in the final. I was back on the bench in Sydney, but I felt I played my part."
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