Wynne Gray: Ban on temptations of Downunder

Martin Johnson, England's head coach. Photo / Getty Images

Henry will be envious of the 44-strong squad heading to NZ, but he won't envy Johnson's task of keeping them in line

Look out! They're coming to a town near you.

In fact the England rugby team hit Napier late next month but if they adhere to coach Martin Johnson's warnings, they will hide their social kit.

Sorry girls. Those with a penchant for "assisting" touring teams might be out of luck when the To and Froms visit. Johnson, with his fearsome furrowed-brow look, has warned his squad to be on their best behaviour (ahem) Downunder.

He has told his men to stow their tackle once they have finished work against the NZ Maori at McLean Park.

Jonno wants none of the drama which followed his side two years ago when their tour was derailed further with allegations of rape.

He was at home in the Midlands, supporting his pregnant wife, as the lurid claims gathered momentum. It was almost possible to feel Johnson's incandescent glow from the Land of the Long White Cloud.

This time the great World Cup-winning lock and unproven coach has bellowed warnings before his squad leaves for matches in Australia and the single game in New Zealand.

He has chosen a squad of 44 which suggests that, unless he trims the group markedly before they fly transtasman, the social danger levels will rise in Hawkes Bay.

"We're going into hostile territory, staying in city-centre locations, there are going to be distractions and potential areas in which they can get embroiled," Johnson said.

Maybe Jonno meant Australia, where his side plays two tests before they head across the Ditch.

But 44 players! The All Black selectors will be looking on in envy. They are due to name 26 shortly for the June internationals and the Tri-Nations series before they pick 30 for the five-test end-of-year expedition to Hong Kong and Europe.

That expanded group will offer more selection hope for specialists while the leaner squads will encourage the selectors to pick utility players who can cover a variety of roles. Graham Henry and Co may not be happy about those restrictions but should concede it puts greater emphasis on their selection skills.

It also frees up some borderline selections to go and play other matches, to get more match miles on the clock to push for end-of-year selection.