sport news Lewis Moody talks former England team-mate Steve Borthwick and wanting Ireland ... trends now

sport news Lewis Moody talks former England team-mate Steve Borthwick and wanting Ireland ... trends now
sport news Lewis Moody talks former England team-mate Steve Borthwick and wanting Ireland ... trends now

sport news Lewis Moody talks former England team-mate Steve Borthwick and wanting Ireland ... trends now

Everybody remembers the breathtaking drop goal by Jonny Wilkinson that etched English rugby into the history books forever.

Few remember substitute Lewis Moody cleanly catching hooker Steve Thompson's throw to the back of the line-out and immediately dropping the ball into the hands of scrum-half Matt Dawson.

If 'Mad Dog' hadn't won that line-out, would England have gone on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney?

With the Rugby World Cup in France fast approaching, Moody clearly knows a thing or two about what it takes to win rugby's biggest prize.  

He also knows the man assigned the job of guiding England through the tournament - former team-mate Steve Borthwick.

Lewis Moody, now 44, helped England to World Cup glory in 2003 and captained his country

The former skipper racked up 71 caps for England

Lewis Moody, now 44, helped England to World Cup glory in 2003 and captained his country

The former Tigers flanker has spent plenty of time with current England boss Steve Borthwick

The former Tigers flanker has spent plenty of time with current England boss Steve Borthwick

In an exclusive interview with Sportsmail Moody, now 44, said: 'Do I believe England will go on and win a World Cup because Steve Borthwick has been brought in? No!

'Do I believe they can still go out and win a World Cup? Yes - absolutely! There's always a chance. I think England are in a far better situation than we were in 2007.'

Eddie Jones was sacked as head coach in December last year, ending his seven-year reign, a decision Moody agreed with.

'The performances were clearly declining and had been for a long time. I think something had to change especially when we are moving towards a World Cup.

'Ultimately your time as a coach runs out at some stage and his did.' 

Borthwick, who previously worked as an assistant under Jones, was appointed as his replacement.

The 43-year-old left his role at Leicester Tigers having led the team to the Premiership title last season.

'I don't think there is such a thing as the right person to take over. There is no doubt Steve has been groomed from an early age for this role,' Moody commented.

Throughout the Six Nations there was debate over who Borthwick should play at fly-half

Throughout the Six Nations there was debate over who Borthwick should play at fly-half

Eddie Jones was sacked as head coach in December last year, a decision Moody agreed with

Eddie Jones was sacked as head coach in December last year, a decision Moody agreed with

'Once he retired, having played with him, one thing you will get with Steve is authenticity. 

'He is straight, quite dry, dour. He enjoys the detail and understanding how to bring a team together.

'He recognises his flaws or areas where he lacks expertise. He is meticulous with preparation and detail. 

'I think some of the results during the Six Nations, especially against France at home, were a real wake up call for where England are at the minute.

'Is he the right person? I certainly don't see anyone else that could come in and do a better job or be better prepared.

'He's learnt under Eddie and perhaps the pieces that he got wrong he has taken away with him. He's won a Premiership title in his first season at Leicester. 

England were roundly beaten by France at Twickenham - result Moody claims highlights where England are at the minute

England were roundly beaten by France at Twickenham - result Moody claims highlights where England are at the minute

'He's had success at Japan and England as a forwards coach. More importantly he seems to have a feel for the players.'

In 2003, Wilkinson was England's No 10, but throughout the Six Nations there was debate over who Borthwick should play at fly-half.

Should it be Owen Farrell or Marcus Smith? What about George Ford? 

'I liked what he did in the Six Nations in recognising pretty swiftly that the Farrell and Smith combination didn't really work. So he would have to go with one or the other,' Moody said.

'His focus at the moment is nailing the basics and I think those are solid foundations.

'It looks like Owen is going to be his captain. He brings stability, passion and decision-making. 

'And Marcus is going to be there to excite and take on those tired legs in the dying minutes. 

Jonny Wilkinson (R) was England's No 10 in 2003 and scored a breathtaking drop goal in the final

Jonny Wilkinson (R) was England's No 10 in 2003 and scored a breathtaking drop goal in the final

'Or maybe Marcus is the one for a year or two down the line when Owen is potentially retired or not quite at the level that he wants to be anymore.'

So who does Moody think will win the tenth men's Rugby World Cup?

'I don't think England will win in terms of form, but they have a run that could allow them to do so if they get it right. 

'I would really, really love to see Ireland continue their form and I think with Andy Farrell, Mike Catt, the talisman of Johnny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony - they have the experience to do that. 

'I don't know who's going to win, but I'd love to see Ireland win it.' 

With seven Premiership title to his name during a 14-year stint at Leicester, Moody is also no stranger to club rugby.

He ended his career at Bath Rugby and now lives just down the road in Bradford-on-Avon with his wife and two children.

Moody is still a regular at

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