England v Ireland
Wood wants pack to dominate like 2003
ESPN Staff
February 21, 2014
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Tom Wood wants the current crop of England players to harness the memories of the World Cup-winning pack and attempt to find the same level of domination.

England meet Ireland on Saturday at Twickenham with the visitors coming into the match two from two. Their pack has been superb in the Six Nations and Wood is fully aware of the threats they will pose an England side who are without first choice tight-head Dan Cole.

Wood believes there is more to come from England up front, but insists consistency is the key if they are to be mentioned in the same breath as Johnson and Dallaglio.

"We've got that type of potential within our pack. Those names are legends, all-time greats and who don't just develop overnight," Wood said. "You can win man of the match, but that does not make you a Johnson or Dallaglio. They did it week in, week out for 10 years.

"To get to that legendary status you need to back it up week in, week out. You need to do it too when you are the target, when you are on the pedestal. And that's a different challenge again. I have got every faith in our pack. I think we are a very competitive unit, forging a real bond, played together."

To draw greater inspiration from their support, England's players will disembark from the team bus earlier than usual when they arrive at Twickenham on Saturday. The new route will sweep them on foot through the crowds outside the Lion Gate.

It is an initiative with which Wood has no problem, although he does not require any further motivation himself than pulling on the jersey.

"I don't like it or dislike the idea. I'm indifferent to it. I'd run from here (the team's training camp in Surrey) if necessary," he said. "These ideas are from guys above my pay grade who are trying to maximise the little bits and pieces, trying to optimise the Twickenham factor.

"But if you are not ready at that stage, you never will be."

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