World Cup axe spurred me on, admits Titterrell

Johnson names his 30-man squad to head to New Zealand this lunchtime with up to nine players set to be told they will play no part in the World Cup.

Titterrell was a member of Sir Clive Woodward’s pre-World Cup party in 2003 only to be one of the players cut from the squad that would go on to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy just months later.

But the hooker used the experience to progress his game and feels those that miss out this time must do the same.

Titterrell, who went onto win three caps and toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions, said: “2003 was a great time to be in camp and that was the fittest I had ever been.

“It was outstanding and that probably drove me forward in terms of how I felt after that World Cup prep to how I should feel at every stage during a season.

“I could understand why I didn’t go to Australia. They got me in great nick and got me prepared for the season at Sale and I got capped the year afterwards.

“Then we won the Premiership and then I got capped on the Lions tour. It was a fantastic stepping stone and it made me the player I am today. It gave me the drive and determination and I will always have that.”

Scotland wing Nikki Walker has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury while Felix Jones will miss the World Cup for Ireland with a foot injury.