Easter relishes fight to stop Dallaglio moving in at No8

The Harlequins player is the man in possession but he faces Tonga in the final pool game in Paris on Friday night knowing the imposing figure of former captain Dallaglio is on the replacements' bench.

Dallaglio, 34, started against the United States in Lens at the beginning of the tournament only to fall short of his own high standards, prompting him to be axed for the match against South Africa.

Despite also being ignored for the Samoa clash, Dallaglio has now forced himself back into the match squad through what head coach Brian Ashton admits has been sheer hard work in training. Despite the pressure of fighting for his place, Easter is focused on subduing a Tongan back row that fought the Springboks to stand-still on Saturday.

The 29-year-old said: "In the last few Test matches my name has been read out at No8 and it does give you an inner confidence, but at the same time it means you have to get out there and perform to keep the shirt.

"I am aware of the on-going debate about Lawrence and myself for the No8 position. I don't take too much notice and concentrate on doing what I do well.

"Then, it's up to the coach to make the choice about who starts. It's as simple and as clear cut as that. It's the media's job, I suppose, to stir the pot and get opinions going."

Ashton has ensured the debate will continue by opting for two back-row forwards in the replacements [Dallaglio and Joe Worsley] rather than lock Simon Shaw.

This means captain Martin Corry will go into the second row, clearing the way for reinforcements in the back row during the second half, and England could end up with Easter at No6 and Dallaglio at No8.

Whoever fills the positions is in for a torrid evening at Parc des Princes against a side who have outshone the other Island nations, Samoa and Fiji, at this World Cup.

Easter has been impressed and said: "The Tonga players are brought up playing rugby where the one-on-one big hits are really important and it's going to be another tough challenge, just like facing the Samoans. This is knock-out rugby and while people have talked about certain teams being minnows, it has come as no surprise that Tonga have played well.

"You only have to look at the quality of players in their squad, guys like Finau Maka, the No8 from Toulouse, to recognise they are dangerous side."

Meanwhile, Jonny Wilkinson has joined the criticism of the tournament's match ball.

Manufacturer Gilbert is examining claims that the balls it has given teams to use in practise perform differently to those used in matches.

Wilkinson, echoing concerns raised by New Zealand's Dan Carter, said:"I don't care if I am kicking badly if I know it is me and I can work on it. The difficulty can be finding the accountability. That is what affects my concentration."