Dallaglio has work to do, says Robinson

ANDY ROBINSON has left World Cup-winner Lawrence Dallaglio under no illusions about the task he faces to reclaim a Test team place after 19 months of self-imposed England exile.

While England head coach Robinson hailed Dallaglio’s “huge” appetite to represent his country again, he delivered a clear-cut selection message.

Wasps captain Dallaglio has been named in England’s sizeable RBS 6 Nations training squad, despite quitting the international scene in August 2004, two months after winning his 73rd cap during a 51-15 Brisbane battering against Australia.

But after he had made clear a desire to savour the England scene again, 33-year-old Dallaglio’s selection was pretty much inevitable once he had proved his fitness following a serious ankle injury which prematurely ended his Lions tour of New Zealand last summer. Whether or not he makes the starting line-up against Wales is nonetheless unclear, given that Robinson has considerable back-row options - including the likes of a fit-again Joe Worsley, Lewis Moody, whose nine-week suspension expires later this month, Worcester flanker Pat Sanderson and captain Martin Corry.

“It is great to be able to include Lawrence,” said Robinson. “He has done well for London Wasps, and his appetite to play for England again is huge. However, he knows as well as anyone that the back row is a massively competitive area and he will need to work hard to be selected.

“Martin Corry will be the captain for the Six Nations. He was inspirational during the autumn, and we believe he is the man to lead England throughout the tournament.”

If Robinson has it in mind to start with Dallaglio when Wales visit Twickenham on February 4 then he will either field him at blindside flanker or number eight, with Corry switched to the number six jersey if he decides on the latter option. But with Corry certain of a starting berth against the Six Nations champions, Dallaglio may be confined to replacement bench duty at best - especially because his Wasps colleague Worsley is also back in the mix after missing England’s entire autumn Test series through injury.

Robinson’s squad will meet up late on Sunday for a two-day gathering at Loughborough University, after which the group is likely to be reduced.