Ryan tips Tindall for England skipper
Mike Tindall is the perfect candidate to skipper England on their summer tour to New Zealand, according to Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan. Tindall is expected to be named in Martin Johnson's 32-man squad next Tuesday and Ryan believes England should look no further than the 29-year-old centre.
Tindall, who plays his club rugby at Gloucester, has won 54 caps at international level and Ryan told The Times that he would not let anyway down if given the opportunity to captain England.
"There's no one better than Tins," Ryan said. "His influence is huge. We [Gloucester] struggled in January and February, but we could have been sitting comfortably [at the top] if Mike hadn't been injured. It is no accident that since he's been back we have been playing a lot better.
"His leadership and understanding of the game is top level. He could easily captain England. It is not easy to see where [Johnson] could go beyond Mike.
"People do not realise how well he understands the game. He builds it from simple foundations. He then has the physical equipment to keep the game simple himself just by taking the ball.
"Only 12 months ago he got an unbelievable amount of criticism. He will always be a player that allows other players to do well. He'll never be a player who you go away thinking, 'S**t, Tins is a top player', unless you actually analyse what he has done. He's vastly underrated."
However, Johnson may refrain from handing Tindall the armband as he is scheduled to appear in court for drink-driving next Wednesday.
But Tindall insists he would relish the role as England skipper, though he admits he is yet to hear from the new England boss.
"If someone asked me [about leading England], it would be great," Tindall said. "If they don't, as long as I am in the squad, I will be happy. I've had no chats with Johnno. I spoke to him once just to say, 'Hi, how are you?' I think he has enough on his plate."
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