Abu Dhabi: The England rugby team has the potential to win the Six Nations championship if they're successful in their first game, according to former captain Lawrence Dallaglio.
"It's as easy as this — if they win their first game I think England will have a really good, strong showing in the Six Nations, and potentially could win the championship. And if they lose their first game, I think they're going to find it tough - I do; but I do expect them to do well," he told press at a British Embassy reception for The London Wasps and The Harlequins.
England suffered a 21-11 defeat against South Africa at the end of their Autumn international campaign, although Dallaglio said the series overall was "excellent" and the team played "outstandingly well" against Australia.
"You're only really as good as your last game, so England will really want to come back strongly," he said.
With current England captain Lewis Moody out of action with a knee injury, boss Martin Johnson may call upon Wasps flanker Joe Worsely, after his "standout" performance in Cardiff two years ago. "England turned to Joe Worsley a couple of years ago down in Cardiff and he did an outstanding job; particularly on the defensive side," Dallaglio said of the player.
"He's actually played very, very, well this season, better this season than I've seen him play for a long time," he continued, "so if he got selected he would thoroughly deserve it… he's a player that wouldn't let England down."
The two teams were given a formal reception at the British Embassy, Abu Dhabi, before their match in the LV= Cup at the Emirates Palace.
It is the first time that two English clubs have played a competitive fixture outside the UK.
Dallaglio retired from rugby two years ago.
"It's not often that I've said I'd love to be playing again… I've never had the opportunity to do something like this, so I think the players are very fortunate and they're really enjoying it and really looking forward to it," the former Wasps flanker said.
Strong ties: First time out of UK
The London Wasps vs Harlequins rugby game is the first time two English clubs have played a competitive fixture outside the UK, which indicates the strong relationship between the UAE and UK, the British Ambassador to the UAE said.
"The UK and the UAE have been long-time partners… and I think it's a really nice example of the kinds of partnerships that could come up in the future," Dominic Jermey said at a reception in the British Embassy on Saturday evening.
"It will be great for society here, for the UAE, if there's another sport, that people are taking up and getting used to," he continued.
The Abu Dhabi Harlequins club encourages children of all nationalities to take up the sport. Children — including Jermey's son — take part in rugby training at Zayed Sports City every Thursday evening.
