We should bounce back in Six Nations, says Lawrence Dallaglio

Dubai: When Lawrence Dallaglio turned out for the farewell match of his career — a Premiership final for Wasps at Twickenham in early 2008 — it was witnessed by a record crowd of 81,600 fans. Such is the aura of the giant former England rugby captain, who remains one of the biggest sporting heroes of his country.

Dallaglio has a rare distinction of winning both the Rugby Union and Sevens World Cup for his country — achievements made all the more special because they came either side of a decade.

A key member of Martin Johnson's brigade which won the sport's biggest prize in 2003, Dallaglio was renamed as England captain after Johnson retired.

No stranger to Dubai, Dallaglio — who is one of the sporting ambassadors of Emirates airlines — was in the city earlier this month as a special guest at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens. Following are excerpts from an interview: 

GULF NEWS: England has been having a poor run in the Tests of late. What's your advice for them?

DALLAGLIO: Yes, from being one of the top two or three sides in the world, let's admit that we are nowhere near that. The team is going through a rebuilding phase… the problem is, in any sport, the fans and the media can get carried away when the team is doing well and then criticism starts whenever there are a few bad matches.

But then, Martin [Johnson] is a pretty shrewd guy, he needs to make a few changes though he may not admit it in as many words. I am confident that England will actually do well in the Six Nations [starting in February 2010]. 

The 2003 World Cup final must have been the high point of your career…

Oh yes, it was an epic final and it was really fantastic to be able to live up to hopes and aspirations of millions of people. I started by winning the ‘93 Sevens World Cup, but to round it off in Sydney a full 10 years later was a great highlight of my career. 

What are your memories of touring with the British Lions?

It's very special, very unique you can say. I had started with a very good tour of South Africa in 1997 where we were lucky enough to win the series. However, later I was not so fortunate as I had a knee injury during a tour of Australia and then while in New Zealand, I slipped on a blade of grass and managed to twist my ankle. 

Do you think the Sevens, which is fast gaining in popularity, can actually overtake the 15s game?

The problem with the 15s game is that it's still only the superpowers like South Africa and All Blacks who are big on it, but the Sevens is becoming a people's game with more and more countries taking to it. 

You have won World Cups in both for your country. How would you like to compare the two?

Let's face it, Sevens is harder than the 15s game but at the same time, it gives you an opportunity to express yourself. It is the game that discovered the likes of Jonah Lomu.

When you're young, you learn the skills but often don't get a chance to showcase them, but you can do so at the Sevens. For example, the Sevens gives you an opportunity to take a player one-on-one and get past him…something that is rare in the 15s. I was very fortunate to have got the opportunity to get my break for England with the Sevens. My advice would be to develop your skills here and then take it to the bigger game. 

What's your tip to youngsters wanting to take up rugby?

Just enjoy your rugby. Respect the values of the game, learn to accept success with humility and also don't forget to shake hands with your opponents after a loss. It's a game after all…