London: Martin Johnson must turn back the clock to 2003 if England are to stand any realistic chance of succeeding in next Saturday's quarter-final against France.
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 the fortuitous victory over Scotland last Saturday, 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 then.
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.
France will be ready
Having seen Saturday's performance against Scotland, who I felt were desperately unlucky, it is now time to make the same call. The French might have been abject in going down to the Tongans, but rest assured that when they pitch up for next Saturday's quarter-final, they will be a different side with a totally different approach.
Let's not forget, they didn't need to win this weekend. On Saturday, they have to. This game will be a distant memory. If we give them a target — and by that I mean playing the same ten, 12 partnership — they will make Wilko their sole target.
For me, it has to be a Toby Flood/Jonny Wilkinson combination with Manu Tuilagi at 13 and Tindall, for now, taking a back seat. An equally big call for Johnno to make is to tell Toby that he is the primary goal-kicker. Take the burden off Jonny because despite his important kicks in the second half yesterday, he missed far too many. We cannot afford to miss that many.
And let's not forget, that was not a poor performance in isolation. It's two in his last three. In contrast, Toby looks calm and collected over the ball and for me, he has to shoulder the responsibility. It will take the burden off Jonny and allow him to concentrate on his game.
And as for the French being in disarray, well, isn't that French sport all over. Whether it's football or rugby, they have always got some crisis on. The performance itself was shabby, with perhaps Delon Armitage the one stand out player. There was talk before the game about Mark Cueto and how he should have been given the nod. Well, I think Delon put that argument to bed. I thought he was outstanding. He looked accomplished with the ball and was a constant threat. His defence was pretty solid too.
England can grab this opportunity and make it the final. Unfortunately, whichever southern hemisphere side awaits in the final will be licking their lips in anticipation.
