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Rugby Union

Ashton craves Dallaglio's leadership qualities

17/06/2007

Coach Brian Ashton believes former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio will give the team some much needed leadership in this year's World Cup.

Dallaglio was a surprise inclusion in Ashton's provisional World Cup squad when it was announced on Friday, but the England coach insists Dallaglio has always been in his plans.

He said: "Lawrence has never been out of my thinking. One of the things he brings to the party is very good leadership on the field. It may well be something we feel we need in respect of the tournament ahead."

The Wasps forward will be 35 when the tournament begins in September but Ashton says he is still good enough to play at the highest level.

Ashton also dismissed the notion that Dallaglio would not be able to keep pace with younger opponents.

The former Bath coach said: "There's an argument that players mature at world level between 28 and 35. The rest of the world has probably written us off, but we are defending champions and there's a trophy to be won. We have sufficient ability to surprise a few people."

Dallaglio is not expected to captain the side but will provide some leadership from the back of the scrum.

He has already displayed his motivational skills after hearing of his inclusion in the provisional squad. He said: "Those of us selected have been handed the opportunity to fight for a tilt at the 2007 World Cup. Not one will give less than all he has to give."

Dallaglio's inclusion came after he improved his performances in the second half of the season, helping Wasps beat Leicester in the final of the Heineken Cup.

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