Rugby Union: National service: Four who could improve England's fortunes

Richard Cockerill

Club: Leicester

Hooker

Age: 27

Caps: 4

There is no doubting the ability of Mark Regan, but his throwing in at the line-out, now the key area for possession, has always been dubious in terms of timing and accuracy. Cockerill, on the other hand can throw straight and with a fine degree of timing. Technically he has no problems in the scrummages. Around the park he has speed in attack and good hands, and his ball retention is generally good. Also possessed of plenty of guts. He could be the grit in the oyster of England's revival and would almost certainly have played in Paris but for injury.

Matt Perry

Club: Bath

Full-back

Age: 21

Caps: 4

He came well through his baptism of fire in England's four Southern Hemisphere tests before Christmas and was unlucky to miss out on selection against France. It must have been a desperately close decision though. Nevertheless, Perry is a superior full-back to Mike Catt. He has a steadiness under the high ball which many a more experienced player must envy. Not only that but when the chasing pack thud into him, Perry more often than not remains on his feet, despite his seemingly slight build. He has a more than useful turn of speed, an ability to change direction at pace, and can tackle, kick and pass.

Tony Diprose

Club: Saracens

No 8

Age: 25

Caps: 4

A perceived weakness in Diprose's game in the past, freely acknowledged by the player himself, was his lack of obvious impact when carrying the ball into contact. In other words he was eminently stoppable in close- quarter encounters. It is something he has worked on and he is beginning to assert himself more. There has never been a shred of doubt about his overall ability. Apart from having possibly the best pair of hands around - some of his passes and takes defy all rugby logic - it is Diprose's intuitive and intelligent reading of a game which make him so invaluable, not to mention his power and pace.

Victor Ubogu

Club: Bath

Tighthead prop

Age: 33

Caps: 21

Would only be a short- term answer, but definitely not too old for a prop (remember Paul Rendall and Jeff Probyn). Many maintain Ubogu is now at his peak; he is certainly in the middle of a superlative streak of form for Bath, witness his performance in the Heineken Cup final. For England, the canny use of replacements would mean that if his ageing frame started to let him down, he could always come off. He is now a very strong, technically good scrummager. On the rampage in the loose, his rhino-like rushes have caused mayhem in opposition kraals.