Lewis Moody facing France could be England’s downfall
England flanker and Captain Lewis Moody will return to the field this weekend for Bath after missing time with a knee ligament injury. His return should signal that he is fit for England’s next massive Six Nations clash with France next week. It seems likely that if he passes all fitness tests Moody will get the start and take back his old 7 shirt from Tom Wood or James Haskell. However, as Moody races back to be fit in time, his return does leave Martin Johnson with somewhat of a difficult selection decision.
Tom Wood has excelled in his first two England tests and it would be a tough blow for the young kid to be so quickly demoted; the same can now be said of James Haskell, who had a storming game against Italy, carrying with speed and power. Complicating things further are the return of Tom Croft, who Leicester have said will be fit to face Scotland on March 13th, and Hendrie Fourie’s solid performances off the bench. If fit, it would seem likely that Croft will be England’s 6.
On the other flank, Moody would no doubt provide England with some vital leadership, experience and energy around the park as he always does, but it could be a risk to play him in such an important game having played so little rugby in the last few weeks. He is an inspiring player, however, and his return could give England an added energy and edge; he would certainly be useful in attacking the heavy box-kicking game of the French.
So Johnson faces a big call – don’t fix what ain’t broken or return the Captain to his side and play Haskell or Wood at 6? I’d play Moody and Haskell, giving Moody a rest at 60 minutes bringing Wood on. England must be pleased though; it’s a never a bad thing to have too many good players!
