Johnson Finally Finds His Star Centres

Martin Johnson has been nothing if not experimental with his selections for England, especially with regard to his centre partnerships. Since taking the helm, he has tried out a total of eleven different midfield combinations, some through choice, some enforced through injury, but it seems that he has finally stumbled upon his dream team. And if any proof were required that he has arrived at the correct conclusion, his view has been endorsed by one of the all-time great inside centres, Ma’a Nonu.

The Kiwi, regarded as the world’s best number 12, praised the combination of Bath’s Shontayne Hape and Matt Banahan who have fine-tuned their relationship and understanding at club level.

“It was quite obvious that Hape was from a league background as he still has some of those mannerisms but he was brilliant against the Samoans and he is definitely coming on well,” he said.

“Matt is a good player and he impressed me against a physical Samoa side, he is a very big guy and every time I have seen him I’ve been impressed. But I think he is more suited to outside centre as he can make more of an impact there.”

He even went so far as to make the comparison with Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy, a glowing reference indeed and the Six Nations betting tips suggest the pair will have to put in some vintage performances if they are to power England to glory this winter.

Hape, who scored more than 300 points for Bradford Bulls in five years, made the switch to rugby union in 2008 and has scored six tries in his 52 appearances.

He was called up to the national side ahead of fan favourites Shane Geraghty and Dominic Waldouk, but given his previous international experience with New Zealand in the other code, the England boss had little doubt about his ability to handle the pressure and the rugby betting suggests he could play a big part in the upcoming Six Nations.

Meanwhile, Matt Banahan, who has scored 33 tries in his 82 appearances for Bath since his debut in 2006, appears to be revelling in his new role at outside centre.

One thing’s for sure, they will be looking to make an impact in this season’s Six Nations.