Should Clive put Neil ... erm ... Back?

When Sir Clive Woodward axed Neil Back ahead of the start of the RBS Six Nations it seemed the right thing to do at the time. 'Backy', bless him, had helped England to the Grand Slam and the World Cup titles in 2003, but those old legs seemed a bit too tired.

Back was the master at marshalling England's deadly rolling mauls and his tackle-count would make most back rowers envious over a couple of games added together, but he just seemed that bit off the pace, especially when compared to other 'fetchers' - Richie McCaw, George Smith, Phil Waugh and Serge Betsen to name a few. Waugh, in particular, showed in Australia in June 2003 how much quicker he was than Back by beating him to the ball virtually every time.

Also, hard man Richard Hill showed on the Lions tour in 2001 just how good an openside he is, Joe Worsley finally seemed ready to take on a full-time role in the team and Chris Jones become a viable option - all seemed fine and dandy. Until ...

Yes, until England lost to Ireland at Twickenham.

Now, don't go thinking that this loss was the end of the world. On the contrary. In fact, this loss has actually relieved some pressure on the world champions, who believe it or not, were always due a loss some time. But the only problem is that this defeat opened a few cracks in the English armour - and it proved how much any side needs organisation.

Organisation. Ah yes, the same thing that Bath powerhouse Mike Tindall brings to the England midfield. Why has Will Greenwood looked so quiet this year? He is missing Tindall. Jason Robinson, for all his wonderful attacking abilities, is not a centre and that has left Greenwood to do all the 'dirty work'. Something he does not relish. But something that Tindall certainly does relish.

Back, too, always knew his place for England and was more than happy to do the dirty work. On attack, on defence and on the ground - any 50-50 ball would be England's. And if not, there would be one almighty scrap to get ones sweaty paws on that pigs bladder. One almighty scrap with Neil Back.

So should Back be recalled to the England starting line-up?

Well, that is a tough one.

In retrospect, perhaps he should not have been dropped - although I think recalling him now would be a backwards step of great proportions. (As was bringing him back on to the bench.)

Recalling him - to the starting XV - now would help England beat Wales at Twickenham, which they should be able to do regardless, while it might help them beat France in Paris in the final Six Nations fixture of the year on March 27.

But would it benefit them in the long-term? The answer to that question would have to a simple no!

Joe Worsley needs to get his hands dirty or Chris Jones needs to get a start at No.6 - what a pity Lewis Moody is injured.

Recalling Back is a short-term solution. Sir Clive needs to have faith in his current selection policy.

All he needs is more organisation in key areas and the return of someone like a fit-again Tindall could just alleviate some of their current issues.