Duckham backs England's blonde ambition
February 04, 2012 10:32:50 UK
England legend David Duckham has called on England's new crop of players to seize a 'golden opportunity' to put the feel-good factor back into English rugby.
Interim Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has named three uncapped players in his starting XV for the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland today, with new boys Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt taking their Saracens midfield partnership onto the international arena for the first time, while Northampton's Phil Dowson gets a run out at No.8.
"It's all change, it's like a new beginning after the disaster of the World Cup," said Duckham, clearly excited about the forthcoming Six Nations campaign.
England are 4.00 to win the Triple Crown while Scotland can be backed at 151.00. Meanwhile, the Scots are 2.25 to pick up the Wooden Spoon while Italy are available at 1.57.
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It's all change, it's like a new beginning after the disaster of the World Cup.
David Duckham
"Stuart Lancaster and the new players he has brought in have got a golden opportunity to impress, and I hope they do. If they get the results, the job should be his, full stop," Duckham added.
"They have got a difficult first one away in Scotland, though, and Murrayfield's not been a happy hunting ground in recent years."
Former wing Duckham, who won 36 caps for England, has also welcomed the return to the fold of David Strettle on the left flank.
He added: "He was once compared to me because of his big mop of blonde hair and it is nice to see him back.
"I've always thought he was a talented player and he knows what playing at the highest level is all about."
England go to Scotland looking for their first win in Edinburgh since 2004.
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