For bookings and further information call

I had to keep it under my hat for a day but I am pleased to say I will be starting against Australia in Marseille on Saturday, I hope you have all got tickets.

This Rugby World Cup has been a knockout situation for us for the last two games and I looking forward to getting back out on the pitch for this massive game.

I have just been at a press conference and a lot of the talk was about the inclusion of Andy Farrell and Phil Vickery. Both will offer the experience and physical side of the game we need against the Australians. Andy has really grown as a player during this World Cup and he is a great team man.

I spoke about the Aussies in my last blog, however one thing I want to reiterate is the need to win this game up front. We have picked a big pack out of respect for Australia. There was a time when it could be said they were weak in the pack but that is not the case now. Mike Foley is their forwards coach. He was forwards coach at Bath and I also played against him at international level so I know that he will have left no stone unturned in getting together a world beating pack.

This contest is going to be a bruiser and we all know the Aussies will be out of revenge. Take my word for it that we will be throwing the kitchen sink and all the cutlery at this one.

I found out I was in the team yesterday when Brian pulled the flip chart down. It is always a great moment when you see your name up there. I know one of the questions on the blog is how I get on with the other hookers and I must say that is all good. Lee Mears was again the first to congratulate me, mind you I did teach him everything he knows! We all know it is going to take the whole squad to win this tournament not just a handful of players.

One of the other questions is who was the best at shooting. Put it this way the forwards were good and the backs average.

We are off out for a meal tonight and before that I am going to watch a bit of TV with The Dominator (see previous posts). I wonder if he will pretend to be some sort of action hero jumping over the sofa.

I thought I would let you know who I thought was the player of the tournament so far – but excluding the England team. I must admit that we have not watched all the games as it is important to concentrate on ourselves. However what I have seen I must say Hernandez from Argentina has been fantastic. They have got to start as favourites against the Scots.

Time for a bit of TV with The Dominator and then I had better ring ahead to the restaurant to order Sackey his burger and chips.