Dallaglio on St George's Day prospects

When Wasps host Bath at Twickenham next weekend it will not only be a great celebration of Englishness, but an opportunity for some to seize a summer tour boarding pass.

As two of the Guinness Premiership’s most decorated sides fight in a must-win match for the last playoff position, England head coach Martin Johnson will be keeping a close eye on a number of the players on show.

Lawrence Dallaglio who captained his country thinks there are still a number of opportunities in the inaugural St George’s Day game. He said: “We are now in the business end of the season and you can prove yourself in these types of games – and it’s not just for the younger players.
“From a Wasps perspective there is Tom Varndell, Dominic Waldouck and lots of others who are looking to get on the plane to Australia and New Zealand.

“It is a huge opportunity with 55,000 tickets sold already and possibly a further 20-25,000.”

Waldouck has been a regular in Wasps’ midfield this year, and with England failing to break through opposition defences during the Six Nations his direct running should put pressure on the centres in possession - Riki Fluety and Matt Tait.

Varndell has found a new lease of life at Adams Park and with other youngsters coming through like 21-year-old Joe Simpson and soon-to-be Tiger, George Skivington, the England management should be eagerly looking on.

The game will be another opportunity for skipper Tom Rees who has made a sensational return in recent weeks. Dallaglio said: “Tom was out for the best part of a year and you tend to just ease your way in, but his return game against Northampton was one of the best comebacks I’ve seen.

“His leadership qualities have been a real fillet for Tony Hanks and his staff, and have given everyone a massive lift.

“There is no doubt a fit Tom Rees playing well is a great asset to Wasps and England.”

Wasps have signed a three year deal with the RFU to host The St George’s Day game at Twickenham and it is the latest in a line of rugby initiatives to support the armed forces.

From every ticket sold, £1 will be donated to the Help for Heroes charity, and the Ticket for a Troop scheme invites fans to buy an injured serviceman a match ticket for £10.

“It is an incredibly worthwhile cause,” said Dallaglio who recently completed a cycle ride from Rome to Edinburgh raising £1 million in part for Help for Heroes.

“There is a unique bond between rugby and the armed services.

“Sports men and women are often put on a pedestal but the true heroes are those on the front lines and battle grounds putting their lives on the line.”