back-row

His task was made even more demanding by the early exit of Dan Lydiate, his more invisible back-row partner, who turned an ankle.

Wales 17-10 Samoa | Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool D match report 2011

He was particularly delighted that Morgan Parra, Lièvremont's controversial choice at fly-half, had come third in the tackle count, with 14 plaquages, behind only the back-row men Thierry Dusautoir and Julien Bonnaire.

Dave Ellis an Englishman excelling for France at the Rugby World Cup | Richard Williams 2011

At least there was good news for New Zealand with the return of McCaw's back-row partners Adam Thomson and Jerome Kaino, both injured last month and then considered real doubts for the World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2011: New Zealand's Dan Carter to miss Japan match 2011

A long injury list has led to a call-up for the Queensland Reds centre Ben Tapuai and his team-mate Ben Lucas, who can play at fly-half or full-back, as well as the New South Wales Waratahs back-row Dave Dennis .

Three newcomers in Australia squad to face Barbarians and Wales 2011

Northampton supply a record eight elite squad members, including the back-row forwards Calum Clark and Phil Dowson and the scrum-half Lee Dickson.

Stuart Lancaster heralds 'new era for England' ahead of Six Nations 2012

Should either of these two break down, Johnson will have to consider summoning another back-row forward and/or a winger.

Rugby World Cup 2011: England's Toby Flood set to oust Jonny Wilkinson 2011

Hape was cited by the French match commissioner, Yves Thieffine, for the tackle on the Edinburgh back-row David Denton last Saturday.

Shontayne Hape banned for four weeks following dangerous tackle 2011

Back row: The fact that Imanol Harinordoquy starts on the bench should be no surprise to anyone who has been monitoring the falling out between the coach and his long-time back-row star.

Rugby World Cup 2011: No flies on France and the coach Marc Lièvremont | Shaun Edwards 2011

The flanker Sean O'Brien, Ireland's stand out back-row, however, contends they should not have needed rescuing in the Six Nations game.

Rugby World Cup 2011: Ireland expect a tough battle against Italy 2011

In addition to the back-row equation, the return to fitness of Toby Flood offers Lancaster an alternative at No10 should Charlie Hodgson, who injured a shoulder during his try-scoring performance against the Scots, not recover as promptly as the physios expect.

Six Nations 2012: England hopefuls to stake claims in trial match 2012