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Danny's lost his surname. It's a mark of an ascension. Jonny lost his years ago and since that time, no surname has been needed. This Saturday we have the Danny show, and last week we had the Jonny no-show. However you dress it up, Brian Ashton was utterly compelled to make the change. If Danny had another night out passing on match tickets, then it had to be Charlie Hodgson. If not him, Ryan Lamb or Andy Goode. Jonny has, hopefully just for now, lost the art of making England play.

What can we expect? Not a free ride, of course. David Wallace of Ireland will be hounding Danny, Ronan O'Gara too. There will be more verbals than in a whole series of Parkinson. He has hardly ever met Richard Wigglesworth, his scrum-half, let alone played with him. He is sandwiched between Wigglesworth and Toby Flood, who has been wholly ineffectual so far this season. Danny will be expected to kick start a team that has been immobile, kicking itself. It is all a ferocious task.

But I just have this feeling that Danny could be special at Twickenham. He will change England 's shape simply by being there. He stands flatter than Wilkinson, his hands are quicker, he is slightly less mechanical in his distribution and he is far quicker over the ground. Indeed, Cipriani is one of the fastest men in rugby. At present, he is also a longer kicker out of hand than Wilkinson.

Naturally, we do not know yet if he can achieve the same high kicking percentage at Jonny, especially under pressure in the last few minutes. We do not know if he will be able to cope when the strapping Andrew Trimble and Wallace come down his channel though I have never seen him exposed in defence. We do not know if he can carry his aura into the Test field as did Jonny.

But I cannot remember being so excited about a young player or so admiring of his work ethic, charm and appeal. I conclude that if he does fail on Saturday, it will be for one reason - that he tries too much. He has been known to dip too deep into his box of tricks, to bank on his talent when a conservative option would maybe have been better. To speculate.

What a contrast with staid old England of late. What a prospect. We still love Jonny. But now it's Danny's turn, he deserves it, and I challenge you at Twickers and in your armchairs, not to be drawn to the edge of the seat.

Strong-arm slammers

And there we part company with dear Old England. God, and the Severn Bridge toll willing, I will be at the Division One game. Talk about England lacking attacking firepower. Take a look at the two midfields - the thunderous Tom Shanklin and Gavin Henson up against Yannick Jauzion and Damien Traille. With Shane and Vince on the wings.

So this might sound like a bath full of cold water for a match looming as a major and even epic affair. But I think Wales will be changing tack. France have a superb defence, and a massive set of backs. They also have gas. And best of all for them, Marc Lievremont, the villain of the tournament with his defiling selection of infants to play in the full Test jersey, has reverted to the first team.

But look elsewhere. France are struggling in the scrum. Nicolas Mas on the tight-head is diminished and Fabien Barcela, on the loose-head, is a club journeymen. He hails from the Auch club and seems another in the line of choices made to ingratiate the team with its outposts.

If Wales win a Grand Slam (and nothing is guaranteed), it may ironically not be won in the Grand Manner, but by an attempted beasting of a French side which is deficient in the primary areas. Not glorious. But not half bad if you are dressed in red.

Vickery's uncommon courtesy

Phil Vickery has taken some stick this week, as the leader in a team that lacks leadership. But in the sound and fury of the grim England performance and in the fuss and bother of Jonny being replaced by Danny, we missed something. Gus Williamson, who wrote in this week, reminded us what is was.

After poor Rory Lamont had collided with Iain Balshaw's knee, he was prone on the field for a long time as the medical men tended to him, immobilizing his neck and carefully strapping him to the stretcher. As the medics worked, Vickery stood over them and watched, offering a few consoling words to Lamont and as the stretcher was finally lifted, Vickery reached across and patted his adversary on the chest.

It was just a small gesture, or was it? Some of the old-fashioned courtesies have been forgotten. At one time, any injured player would always be checked by the opposition captain. I'm not saying that all the team should form a circle shield of modesty when a player is changing his torn shorts, but Vickery's gesture in standing away from the heart of a battle going badly to observe a great old tradition, was rather touching and spoke volumes for the Raging Bull.

Which other fine sporting traditions should be restored?

What do you think? E-mail Stephen at rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk with your opinion and he'll reply to the best of the letters next week. Just remember to enter through the gate - don't stray offside

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>>>>>LIST OF THE WEEK<<<<<

My list of the greatest sporting non-events (reverse order):

5. Powder-puff RWC quarter-final between South Africa and New Zealand in 2003

4. John Rawlins's World Campaign 1987 - the Welsh prop stiffened up on the long flight Down Under and pulled a hamstring when he got off

3. New Zealand's Haka at the Millennium in 2006

2. Racing at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday

1. England's attack at Murrayfield last Saturday

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The Stephen Jones Debate

ELV's - despite your claim that Kiwis love anything frothy, I beg to differ. We have witnessed a return in recent years to a focus on set pieces and development of forward strength. I agree with you on the Super 14 this year where confrontation at ruck time seems to be lacking. Laws which are designed to speed up the game inevitably will have the consequence of teams committing less players to defend rucks. I also cannot understand why in this global game we have the laws being trialled in a major provincial competition. The referring of them is inconsistent which creates confusion among players, coaches and referees alike. If the laws are approved for tri-nations, we then have the messy situation of players reverting back to the current international laws for games against England and Ireland before switching back again. How does this make sense? Good suggestion on the bonus points for four tries and seven-point losing margin - didn't this originate in some frothy unworthy competition somewhere? Anyway, I hope the team with the sliding roof play some good rugby and take it out this weekend. Reuben Casey

SJ: Frothy? I just meant your lager Reuben. And yes, you wouldn't call Messrs Woodcock and Hayman frothy unless you were of world-class as a sprinter. I cannot fault your analysis, either, and I feel sorry for the players who will be playing one set of laws one week and a new set the next week.

I really hope the bonus point is not introduced to the Six Nations. Leaving aside the very real prospect of the grand slam winner failing to be champion some year, the current bonus point system is one of the fundamentally wrong things with modern rugby. It's ridiculous that a team can lose 25-31 and get two points, just because they scored four tries, whilst another team can draw 25-25 and also get two points. Robert Elliot, Twickenham

SJ: Hmmm. In essence I stand by my suggestion that we should have bonus points in the Six Nations and many people who wrote in this week agree with me. But not being a mathematician I took some time to work out that your main point is so correct. You can win the Slam and not the title, oh dear!

The IRB has a vision to make rugby a popular sport, a bit like soccer. I grew up in Fiji and love my rugby immensely but I am disappointed watching most games due to the ball being in play for a lot less time, the referee blowing his whistle incessantly and kicking being the order of the day. William Webb Ellis would turn in his grave at the appalling sight of some matches in the modern era. Bring in the ELVs and follow what cricket is doing with Twenty20. We need to move towards the mainstream. Vinay Prakash

SJ: Can I leave you with one thought Vinay? Don't you feel that Fiji 's adoption of the harsh and even boring realities of rugby gave them the nous and the space to play such brilliant rugby in France 2007?

You are to be congratulated on resisting the ELVs. Having spent time Down Under and being a front row player and coach of youth rugby, I can assure you that Kiwis and Aussies know very little of our game, basing their entire opinion on the England and home nations' performances at international level. I coach kids who are fat and thin, many of whom could find no valid place in any other sport, who love union and give their all week in and week out to a way of life that gives them purpose, positive self image, health and belonging. To strike them out of the game because someone in the pay of the IRB believes it will make a big-name sponsor happy is a crime we cannot be party to. It isn't all about the pro scene. The greater part of rugby is the local club, the kids, the amateurs, the time-served parents, the semi pro, the young men and women struggling to make the 1st XV and dreaming of a crack at playing at a higher level, as well as those who are genuinely happy just to meet up with mates and go head to head in the mud with another mob from another town/village/club or school. I object to the ELVs because the future generations will not see the big players and small players, but almost all will be the optimum size to run 80 minutes and take contact, a la rugby league. The great kickers will be lost, the great tactical thinkers, and in time it will be dumbed down to nothing more that a deconstructed running mess. Pete McQueeny

SJ: Absolutely correct Pete, and straight from the core of the game. Whatever laws they eventually come up with have to suit 110 rugby countries, not just Australia and South Africa , and all standards and ages and both sexes, not just two Test squads. Well said.

Could you please back up your assertions that New Zealand pilfer Pacific Island players with some examples (name the All Blacks players who were not developed by New Zealand ). I doubt you could name any. The northern hemisphere unions have led the way in implementing a football style professional league, buying the services of players which were developed in other countries and thus in a just world the introduction of transfer fees is an inevitable consequence. Surely its introduction will do wonders for the international game - benefiting the Pacific Island nations as well as the SANZAR giants - compensating those unions which have implemented the structure to develop these players. Mike Kingan, Southampton

SJ: Sorry Pete, while the Six Nations is on I am afraid I don't have six months to spare.

Coping with his demons? If you believe his version of events he went to a club for 15 minutes to hand over some tickets to a friend: hardly a bender. Old man Ashton has finally lost the plot in excluding one of the most talented players in the team. Nathaniel Wilde (a Leicester fan who for some reason is defending a Wasps player)

SJ: Sorry all, and sorry Danny. My clumsy wording last week seemed to suggest that I see Danny as a cross between Count Dracula and a drug addict. I find him a terrific lad, very engaging and incredibly dedicated. And be careful. You'll be clapping Lawrence next.

Cipriani is indeed a fine talent, a player that has both the skill and physicality to electrify world rugby for hopefully the next decade, indeed a rare English-southern hemisphere hybrid. However, the most alarming issue of his removal from the team is the willingness of ex-players to publicly castigate Brian Ashton. Matt Dawson has demonised Ashton in a completely over-the-top tirade and also demolished Wilkinson. Why do we not hear of ex-players complaining about foul play - for example Freshwater breaking Roche's cheekbone - or indeed praising positives such as the Welsh resurgence or English strength in the Heineken Cup? This is exactly the sort of negativity that Woodward used to complain about during his reign and yet he was also quick to bash Ashton's decision. Benjamin Saunders, Beckenham

SJ: Well, I suppose that newspapers don't hire ex-players to be all sweetness and light, Benjamin. In the absence of journalistic skills and training they just fire the scatter gun.

Why do northern hemisphere rugby writers rave on about no-name players like Cipriani? Surely his test will come when he faces the All Blacks or South Africa . Good to see England have moved on since the World Cup - back to the serious business of losing. What a disgrace losing to a very average Scotland side. Bring back rucking then the northern hemisphere rugby scribes can really get stuck in. Long live real rugby, southern hemisphere style. Kurt, Durban , SA

SJ: No-name players? He has got a name. Danny Cipriani.

It is a bit far-fetched to dub Cipriani as having the same "dark side" as Best. He made one mistake which he has openly admitted to. To suggest that he has a wild side which poses a threat to his career is unfounded and is based on conjecture. What other evidence of this is there, bar this one mistake? You cannot base it on the belief that because he supposedly missed his teenage years playing rugby he is therefore liable to degenerate at any time. He wouldn't have got to where he his now without being a consummate professional. Give the lad a break. Phil, Sheffield

SJ: Totally agree. I didn't mean that kind of dark side and a consummate professional he is. His commitment is almost frightening.

"Own demons", what a load of rubbish. Cipriani is just a young player who made a questionable decision. Ali, Epsom, Surrey

SJ: Agreed

What is your opinion on the current trend with union referees to conduct a game as though the teams were an orchestra? There seems to be a running commentary for the whole 80 minutes, whether it's telling the players what to do/what not to do or answering the players' constant questions about law interpretations. I hear warnings given, players told when a ruck is formed etc. Shouldn't the players know this? I've even seen referees handle a player to keep him in an onside position, which is ridiculous. Richard Harriman

SJ: Hate it, hate it, hate it Richard. If there is an offence, penalise. Why the final warning then the final final warning? Why the debate?

It is a bit rich of your Scottish correspondents to dismiss the "English" element of Culloden. The battle was a direct result of the 1745 Rebellion when an army led by an Italian born French speaker (Charles Edward Stuart, aka Bonnie Prince Charlie), who spoke neither English nor Gaelic, raised, with French money, an army to invade England . There was a skirmish at Warrington and his army reached as far south as Derby . This is what initiated the campaign that ended at Culloden in February 1746. The result of the battle, which lasted about 40 minutes, was that a song was written by GF Handel, Hail the Conquering Hero, and two plants were named: in England the Sweet William and in Scotland a pungent weed was renamed Stinking Billy. On another matter, the WRU has got two things right in less than six months: appointing Warren Gatland and now stamping on the stupid ELVs. Peter Brown, Bridgend

SJ: Sorry, I feel a bit out of my depth with this standard of historical knowledge Peter.

After the shambles at Murrayfield, do you think some of the England team have served their stay of execution? Your comments on Jonny Wilkinson have been frowned upon in some parts, but surely this game has finally exposed his limitations? Unfortunately, his style of play seems to have affected Toby Flood who was also guilty of kicking far too much. With the Ireland match now meaningless in terms of the championship, I'm hoping that the tour to New Zealand will allow fringe players or new caps to be tested. A balance of experience and youth must now be the way. Fitness permitting, this would be my suggestion: 15.Lewsey, 14.Simpson-Daniel, 13.Tindall, 12.Barkley, 11.Varndell/Strettle, 10.Cipriani, 9.Ellis, 1.Sheridan, 2.Hartley/Paice, 3.Stevens, 4.Kennedy, 5.Palmer, 6.Moody, 7.Rees, 8.Haskell. What would be your strategy Down Under? Paul Cartledge, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

SJ: Apart from keeping Shaw just for his size and experience Paul, I cannot fault your team. Far more power and footballing ability in your backs, Varndell for me on the wing though Sackey has been playing well. New Zealand looms as a nasty assignment - for me, they should not make the mistake of taking too many nippers: Hartley definitely - but apart from that, first XV on duty, trying to attack a New Zealand team which will have a raft of new players and will be trying to switch back from playing the ELVs to real rugby.

Phil Vickery's credentials as a captain and world class forward took a battering on Saturday. His best days in rugby are behind him. Vickery's credentials as a man, however, have never been in doubt and he showed again on Saturday that he is a rugby man of real substance. As Rory Lamont was carted off the field following his horrific injury, the hulking figure of the England prop stood over the stretcher and wished his opponent well. A small gesture, but a significant one for all of us who hold dear rugby's values of brotherhood and decency. I wonder if Tana Umaga was watching? Gus Williamson. PS. Really enjoying the Rolling Maul - will it continue after the Six Nations?

SJ: Gus, thanks for reminding me. I have included this week a short tribute. And yes, RM will go on after the Six Nations.

I find it amazing that you of all people think bonus points in the Six Nations should be introduced into a tournament which has never been more popular in terms of attendance, sponsorship and TV. Furthermore, the Six Nations is not played on a home and away basis and is too short a league for bonus points to work fairly. For example, a team could win a grand slam and score three tries in every single game and come second in the championship to a team that lost only one game but picked up a full set of bonus points. Unlikely? Yes. But even the possibility of it is enough to sum up the pointlessness of it. It's bad enough we have Sunday Six Nations, awful that they are looking at Friday night Six Nations (utter contempt for travelling fans), but please let's not ruin the oldest international sport tournament in the world by introducing bonus points. James Stafford

SJ: I have to admit that we have already undermined some of the grandest traditions of the Six Nations and should proceed with the greatest care.

This area of the e-mail is reserved for your views and boos. E-mail Stephen at rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk and he'll either agree, disagree, add some insight or come back firing...

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>>>>>HERO OF THE WEEK<<<<<

Sergio Parisse (Italy)

He leads two-thirds of a great team, but they need to do the groundwork to win six games just to win one. Does that daunt our hero, the Italian No 8? Yes, as sparrows daunt eagles or the hare the lion. Brilliant, athletic, powerful and the heart again bled for him in Paris . What a player!

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The week in 60 seconds

Thursday:

VAINIKOLO YEARNS FOR FLIGHT PATH TO OPEN UP AT TWICKENHAM

"The Volcano" is desperate for success against the Irish having lacked the chance to erupt.

Report by David Hands

IRELAND RELIVE THEIR ONE SEASON OF WONDER

The 1948 grand slam heroes are reunited in Belfast 60 years on.

Report by Mark Souster

SAXONS COACH SAYS IT IS 'CRAZY' TO BLAME WILKINSON

Steve Bates criticises the decision to make Jonny Wilkinson accountable for England's failings against Scotland.

Report by John Westerby

Wednesday:

WILKINSON IS SCAPEGOAT FOR ENGLAND'S HORROR SHOW

The most recognisable face in English rugby is dropped after the miserable display against Scotland last weekend.

Report by David Hands

I CALLED DAD TO WARN HIM ... BUT I WILL HANDLE THIS

Jonny Wilkinson says he won't be dropping to his knees pondering some personal disaster.

Exclusive column by Jonny Wilkinson

ASHTON SACRIFICES NO 10 TO LOOK AFTER NO 1

Simon Barnes on why the England coach took the Steve McClaren Option.

Comment by Simon Barnes

O'GARA HANDED CAPTAINCY IN RECOGNITION OF INSPIRED FORM

The Ireland fly half leads his country for the first time after injury rules Brian O'Driscoll out of the game against England.

Report by Mark Souster

HOOK GETS THE NOD AS WALES LOOK TO FINISH IN GRAND STYLE

Warren Gatland expects the French to throw everything at Wales - and he intends to throw everything back.

Report by John Hopkins

Tuesday:

EDWARDS GIVEN TICKET TO SWITCH SIDES IF ENGLAND CALL

Wales's head coach would not stand in the way of Shaun Edwards if he believed that a significant role with England was what he wanted.

Report by David Hands

REGRETS? ANDREW WILL HAVE A FEW

It is truly a topsy-turvy world when playing for England is viewed as potentially an obstruction to a ticket to South Africa with the Lions.

Comment by Owen Slot

ASHTON FACES DIFFICULT DECISION OVER WHERE TO WIELD HIS AXE

The England head coach must decide whether to stick with Jonny Wilkinson or bring in a replacement such as Danny Cipriani.

Report by David Hands

LIEVREMONT ENDS EXPERIMENT TO CHASE FOR TITLE

The France coach has eschewed risk and opted for experience against Wales.

Report by Mark Souster

Monday:

ASHTON LEFT TO CONSIDER OPTIONS AFTER UNINSPIRING DISPLAY

Jonny Wilkinson and Lesley Vainikolo are under threat as England's head coach delays naming his team.

Report by David Hands

SCOTTISH MUSCLE TURNS TABLES AS GAME PLAN GOES AWRY

Jonny Wilkinson says he thinks about the game massively, but he does not beat himself up about things now after the defeat at Murrayfield.

Exclusive column by Jonny Wilkinson

RELEASE OF PRESSURE LEADS TO RELIEF FOR SCOTLAND

Relief was the overwhelming emotion in the Scotland dressing-room after their victory over England.

Lewis Stuart

MATURING WALES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Everyone within this management team must be astonished to find themselves in pole position in the Six Nations.

Analysis by Gerald Davies

FRANCE REQUIRE HEFTY WIN AFTER FAILURE TO OPEN FLOODGATES

The Six Nations holders will need to beat Wales by 20 points or more in Cardiff to retain their title.

Report by Christopher Irvine

Sunday:

CLUELESS ENGLAND OUT FOR THE COUNT

England simply had no drive. This time there are no excuses.

Analysis by Stuart Barnes

ENGLAND PAY PRICE FOR LACK OF AMBITION

Scotland played creative rugby in response to England's weak kicking game, and reaped the reward.

Report by Stephen Jones

CIPRIANI CAN'T PUT CLUBBING BEFORE COUNTRY

The Wasps star's nightclub escapade was foolish. Not learning from it would be more so.

Analysis by Jeremy Guscott

NEXT STOP GRAND SLAM, THEN THE WORLD

Under Warren Gatland's leadership, Wales are finally ready to take the next step that eluded the 2005 champions.

Analysis by Stephen Jones

Saturday:

ASHTON STANDS BY DECISION TO PUNISH CIPRIANI

England head coach defends his "harsh" penalty as Chris Paterson faces his Gloucester team-mates.

Report by David Hands

AN EXILE RETURNS TO HOME IN ON ENGLAND

Murrayfield and the Six Nations Championship will provide Simon Taylor with an extra incentive to do well.

Analysis by Simon Taylor

O'GARA CAN PUT THE BOOT INTO GATLAND'S PLANS

Wales need to stop the Munster fly half as the weather is expected to give Ireland the advantage.

Report by Mark Souster

Friday:

CIPRIANI QUICK TO APOLOGISE AFTER ASHTON WIELDS THE AXE

The England back pledges to win back his place as the coach says the door is open for a future return.

Report by Martin Samuel, Patrick Kidd and Mark Souster

ENGLAND'S NEW HEADLINE ACT HAS MUCH TO LEARN

Danny Cipriani may not think he has done anything wrong, but perception is as important as reality for the public.

Comment by Gabby Logan

CIPRIANI IS HUNG OUT TO DRY WHEN THEY SHOULD BE CLUBBING TOGETHER

Danny Cipriani is a victim of circumstance and Brian Ashton's decision to drop him could come back to haunt the team.

Analysis by David Hands

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Things you need to know about rugby: No 6

GLOBAL DRIFT

Only two real global giants remain in New Zealand rugby - Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw. But the new spending power in Europe is being wielded. Leading observers close to the All Blacks are now resigned to losing them both overseas in time for next season.

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5

The number of consecutive defeats Wales have suffered against France at the Millennium Stadium.

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Suggestions, fan mail and complaints: rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Suggestions, fan mail and complaints: rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk