Johnson’s men face tough task to emulate Woodward’s class of ’03

Mike Tindall, Lewis Moody, Steve Thompson, Simon Shaw (non-playing squad member) and Jonny Wilkinson are survivors of the World Cup-winning group who have flown to New Zealand. But Larder, pictured inset, reckons only prolific former Wigan Warriors RL winger Chris Ashton would be a certainty of forcing his way into Sir Clive Woodward’s side.

“Chris Ashton is a very special player,” he said. “I just hope the rest of the team can create some openings for him.

“He certainly would have been in our team in 2003 with that pace and finishing quality.

“I don’t think Jonny Wilkinson in 2011 is the same as Wilkinson in 2003 and there wouldn’t be any others.

“I like Manusamoa Tuilagi. I think he will be a hell of a centre but this World Cup might just be a bit too early for him.”