England No 8 Nick Easter said: "The calibre of opposition sets up some huge games against very tough sides.

A more pragmatic type would have put results first and surrounded himself with proven warriors (Nick Easter, for one).

That said, the dropping of Nick Easter, doubtless the form number 8 in the Premiership this season, seems to me to be purely a political move.

Nick Easter: World-Cup winning captain heads list of top-five players that took tournament by storm.

She is the aunt of England rugby No. 8, Nick Easter.

England have an improving platform at the scrum, and Nick Easter at the base will help.

Later he rightly issued a yellow card to Nick Easter for a succession of breakdown infringements.

"These Tests are a massive challenge," said England number eight Nick Easter.

James Haskell continues at No8 in the injury-enforced absence of Nick Easter.

Nick Easter: Looks a bit tubby to me in that tight white shirt.