No third-rate England this time says Woodward

By WYNNE GRAY

Salivate and wait. It was the result to tantalise New Zealand.

But the most eagerly-awaited words after England claimed the Grand Slam title were uttered by coach Clive Woodward.

He intended bringing a full-strength England side to play the All Blacks in Wellington on June 14.

It will be a heck of an opening to the All Blacks' international programme, an intriguing entree before the main World Cup meals in October and November.

England have cast aside three failures to take the Slam for the first time since 1995, they have been unbeaten in tests at Fortress Twickenham since the World Cup defeat against the All Blacks in 1999.

They have developed into an impressive squad under the tutelage of Woodward and Martin Johnson. They have improved their defence markedly, they have a monstrous pack, and the match-winning goalkicking of Jonny Wilkinson.

But questions remain about their ability to deal with significant tests abroad; whether some of the ageing forwards will last the World Cup distance on hard grounds and the heat in Australia.

First they come to play the All Blacks and Woodward has indicated he will bring his best squad. That should appease those who were disgusted in 1998 when England were thrashed 64-22 at Carisbrook and 40-10 at Eden Park on their last visit.

This time England will arrive as champions of Europe, with a squad who have remained stable for the past few seasons.

Interest in the make-up of their All Black opponents has heightened with the rise of the Blues and the average form of the Crusaders, who made up the bulk of the All Blacks for most of last year.

England and the All Blacks will be on the top line of favouritism for the World Cup. So will we have any further ideas about the merits of England or the All Blacks after the Cake Tin test?

Will England's forwards batter their opposites into submission or can an All Black backline outflank that assault?

This week, I selected my Form XV from the first half of the Super 12.

How would they stack up against England's Grand Slam winners? In my view, there's not much in it.

The (mythical) winners?

The New Zealand combination, 118.15-117.25.