Jonny Wilkinson may no longer be England's first choice 10, but it is doubtful there is another nation that has that ability sat on the bench.
The memory of England out-grafting and out-muscling France is one that is clouded by what can only be described as a truly biblical hangover.And one which afflicted me for the majority of the weekend. It appears that the inevitable decline into old age hits us all. Gone are the heady days of a weekend fuelled only by gin, a 'popular energy drink' and Ginsters pasties.
While this is hardly the most professional approach to maintaining a world-renowned sports blog, (368 views and counting) it is probably one that most rugby enthusiasts can appreciate.
So, given the news that former England international and British Lion Ben Cohen has been told he is surplus to requirements at Sale Sharks, it seemed only right that this blog looks back on the career of a player who was, for a time, arguably the best winger in the world.
Chris Ashton may be under the spotlight for his extravagant celebrations, but Cohen made swallow-diving look easy all the way back in 2002 and only Rory Underwood and Will Greenwood have scored more tried for England.
His off-field actions, however, have led him to become something of a figure of fun in the eyes of English rugby fans. His petulant departure from Northampton has certainly tarnished his reputation with the vast majority of Saints fans, and his apparent obsession with taking his clothes off, while making my mother very happy, has somewhat distracted from his on-field successes.
Cohen brought a new style of wing-play to English rugby. Where previously, English wingers were fast, small and nimble, Cohen at 6'2 and hovering around 16st was a hulk of a man and capable of destroying players as well as speeding round them.
His England career saw him win a World Cup and Six Nations grand slams. He scored 31 tries in 57 appearances for his country and proved he could score against the best in the world time and again. He was a British and Irish Lion, scored over 100 tries for Northampton Saints, won a Heineken Cup and regularly has his photo taken.
While his career is not necessarily over, it is certainly on the cards. He is the wrong side of 30, and there are probably few clubs who feel he could benefit their team in the long run. He arrived to great fanfare and celebration from the club and while the party line is that they are simply cutting the budget, it is imagined that the loss of a "marquee signing" could hurt the club even more. The Championship ( a very real threat given that Exeter are refusing to play ball by winning matches) is cold, lonely place to be, and Edgeley Park is horrible enough already. The sideways rain and sub-arctic temperatures are barely tolerable when you watching some impressive rugby, they will be considered a war-crime when supporters are made to endure watching Rotherham eke out a 3-0 victory.
Look at the misery...
So Ben... Thanks for the memories, and we wish you the best of luck in your next career move.
Oh, and if you are looking for a club, I am sure Preston Grasshoppers would welcome you with open arms. Drop by anytime.
View Larger Map
