HARTLEY FOR ENGLAND CAPTAIN?

Stuart Lancaster did not select Dylan Hartley in his RWC squad, despite the fact that he was only banned from the first Fiji game and could have played in the others. He was not in the "circle of trust" and was not a good role model for the young. However, it appears that Eddie "Miracle Worker" Jones has a slightly different approach and has his eyes on "Mad Dog" to be the next England captain replacing Chris Robshaw. Hartley is a serial offender, especially for his club, and has a list of offences ranging from biting, elbowing, gouging, stamping, headbutting and abusing the ref. His misdemeanours have led to him missing a Lions Tour as well as a World Cup. He has also accumulated quite a few yellow cards for England, normally at critical stages in games. He plays on the edge (of the edge) and is a much better player for it. It must be the Kiwi in him, that gives him that warrior "win at all costs"spirit (he was born in Rotorua, and moved to England in 2002).

Sir, you is rubbish...

The question I keep being asked in supermarkets and pubs is "will making him England captain affect the ways he plays?". I think it will not. He is an experienced player, with over 200 caps for his club and 60 caps for his country. He is used to taking tough decisions under pressure at the highest level, has the best lineout throw and can hook, rare skills for an international hooker. I rate him highly, and he should be in England's starting XV every time, even as captain, which is a risk, but one worth taking, as England seek to rebuild. Lancaster did not see him as a role model, but New Zealand probably would, but there again they believe role models are winners - McCaw is a god in the land of the Silver Fern, but was hardly a Saint on the pitch. Hartley will lead from the front, something England badly need at the moment, and is a figurehead that Jones can build a squad around for the 6 Nations.