‘Smoking’ Joe Launchbury is the new silent assassin

Ten years after lifting the World Cup alongside Richard Hill, Lawrence Dallaglio is convinced England have found their new silent assassin in Joe Launchbury.
The only player never to be dropped during Clive Woodward’s England tenure, Hill built a reputation as the no-frills flanker who would never let you down.
Earlier this year Launchbury’s England honeymoon period looked in doubt following a dip in form for both club and country – most notably against Wales in March – after his majestic showing against the All Blacks.
But the Wasps lock went about his business in Argentina this summer and against New Zealand yesterday he found himself in Stuart Lancaster‘s starting XV for the eleventh match in a row.
“He’s had an unbelievable start to his international career,” said Dallaglio. “Launchbury is without doubt  one of the best players in the country now. That is why he has continued to get picked and will continue to get picked regardless of how anyone else is playing.”
Recently Launchbury has formed a fine partnership with a revitalised Courtney Lawes, despite considerable pressure from British & Irish Lion Geoff Parling and Dave Attwood.
But, while his performances in the second row have seen him mentioned in the same breath as Martin Johnson, Dallaglio believes he is more akin to unsung hero Hill, claiming that 22-year-old Launchbury is already the first name on Lancaster’s teamsheet.
“Courtney Lawes has been outstanding as well but they can only step up if the guy they step over deserves to be omitted,” added Dallaglio.
“For me, Joe is one of England’s standout players in the same way Richard Hill was. The supporters may not appreciate everything he does but it is incredibly valuable to the team.
“You can see he is working so hard throughout the game, doing all the things you want your tight five to do. More importantly, he has also got his hands on the ball and looked to do something exciting with it.”
Launchbury put his disappointment at the Millennium Stadium in March behind him in Argentina in the summer with a mature series of displays, having previously admitted to a drastic loss of form following the turn of the year.
He ticked another achievement off the list last weekend when he grabbed his first international try in England’s 31-12 win over  Argentina – a tally he doubled yesterday.
Dallaglio believes that facet of his game will develop over time, but his ability to get the basics right will see him remain in Lancaster’s favour for the foreseeable future.
“He continues to impress everyone,” said Dallaglio. His workrate is phenomenal and his accuracy is also very impressive – he just does the simple things very well.
“At international level that will continue to win you a lot of supporters.
“He has been very impressive for Wasps as well and he has carried that form into the England team. He is learning and gaining experience all the time, taking on new information and knowledge every time he plays.”
Launchbury, acutely aware of the task he faces to keep his place, no longer sees himself as a novice on the international stage.
“I’m no longer the new boy in the squad and have to improve my performance every time I pull on the England jersey,” he said.
Lawrence Dallaglio was speaking on behalf of O2 Recycle who are giving all proceeds from old phones and gadgets to the Dallaglio Foundation Rugby for Change in November. Visit www.o2recycle.co.uk
PADDY VON BEHR