Dallaglio return keeps Corry ‘on his toes’

ENGLAND captain Martin Corry is ready to fight for his place during this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Corry admitted the surprise challenge to his place was ‘keeping him on his toes’. He has an unexpected challenger for the number eight jersey in Lawrence Dallaglio, who is now back on the international beat some 17 months after retiring from Test rugby.

Corry, whose England leadership reign has produced five wins from six starts, was replaced by Dallaglio after 65 minutes of Saturday’s comprehensive Six Nations victory over Wales.

Head coach Andy Robinson’s decision has been criticised by Corry’s Leicester and former England colleague Graham Rowntree, who also hit out at the media bandwagon accompanying Dallaglio’s England return.

Corry, though, is content to take everything in his stride as England prepare for Saturday’s appointment with Italy in Rome.

“I am completely comfortable with what is happening within the England camp. I have no issues,” said Corry.

“We are in a position, in my position and throughout the whole side, we are developing a squad where there is a lot of competition on the starting XV, which is exactly how it should be.

“Personally, I feel that is how to bring the best out of me, to put me under pressure and make me fight for my position.

“It is what everyone needs, so I have no issue about it - it is keeping me on my toes.

“Everyone is desperate to play for England, but what we’ve got with Lawrence is someone who’s not only a great player, but he has also achieved a huge amount in the game.

“His profile is going to warrant interest and speculation, but speculation is speculation and we have got to treat it as that. What is written should have little bearing on what actually happens,” said Corry.

Rowntree, though, believes the media circus “almost forced” Dallaglio back into the England squad.

“There are not many players in international sport who could talk themselves back into the national squad like Lawrence,” said Rowntree.

“I love him to bits, and he is a great player, but the whole scenario with the press, people talking about him every day, almost forced him into the squad. And for me, that was disappointing.

“For Andy Robinson to take Martin off and bring on Lawrence against Wales, I thought was really disappointing. He could have put Lawrence on at six for Joe Worsley - he played there for his club the week before.”

But Rowntree has backed Corry not to be distracted by Dallaglio’s presence as England look to build Six Nations momentum by reeling off a fourth successive tournament victory in Rome.

“Going forward, if Cozza keeps his head down and does as good a job as he has been doing, he will never worry,” said Rowntree.

“He is exceptionally, mentally strong, and he won’t be worried about Lawrence being on his shoulder all the time. He has to get on with his job and lead his team.”