Phil Vickery
Two months ago European Vibe was lucky enough to scoop an interview with the captain of the England rugby team, Phil Vickery. Back then, few commentators would have given the English team much of a chance of progressing in the tournament, however, a few months on the World Champions have found themselves back in the final. Not only this, but they have the significant scalps of in form Australia and hosts France to their name.
So here for you to enjoy, in anticipation of a World Cup final with France, is Phil Vickery’s July interview with European Vibe.
(The interview was conducted with Vickery’s ex-Gloucester team mate and European Vibe boss, Scott Edwards)
It’s been a long time since we last spoke Phil, and it’s great to see how much you’ve achieved. Did you ever think you’d achieve so much in rugby when growing up in Cornwall?
My upbringing in Cornwall on my fathers farm taught me a lot of things, the main one being that you only get out of life what you put in. I have worked hard to achieve what I have, and I’m very proud of it.
How have the training camps been this summer, and are they different to your previous pre-World Cup camps and why?
The camp has been good for several reasons, one being to create a team spirit amongst the squad and the management alike. We have that bulldog spirit, and a will to do very well as all the squad recognise that we are representing our country and do not want to let the supporters down. The build-up has been slightly different as there are different personalities involved this time, but the general template was made before the last World Cup (the one which we won).
I heard that training with the Royal Marines was tough. How did the boys get on?
It was very tough to say the least, but all the guys bought into it, and it’s made us all the stronger for the experience!
It’s been a tough few years since the last World Cup. How testing has that time been, and are England back on the right track?
It’s been tough, but it was something that was always going to happen and the England management will have to learn to deal with that. The England team will always evolve in some way, as does every team. We just have to make sure that everything is in place to cope with the change. We are now getting there and will just have to time it right to make sure that we are all fully prepared.
There is a lot of potential in this new England side. Which of the younger guys is going to make their mark?
I’d say Tom Reese, Toby Flood and Mathew Tate could potentially make a great impact.
One of the main problems that England has had more than any other international team has been an enormous amount of injuries. Why do you think that is?
Several reasons. The amount of games, the intensity of the games, and just good old-fashioned bad luck. These days a player definitely has to look after himself like never before.
How did you react when told by Brian Ashton that you were going to captain your country?
I was deeply honored. It was an over-whelming feeling of pride.
What do you think makes a good Captain and who has been the best you’ve played under?
Martin Johnson definitely. I believe a good captain should never ask other people to do things that he will not do himself, and he very much epitomised that.
Phil Vickery 2007 Rugby World Cup Predictions:
Who do you think is going to win the trophy this time?
Well, England to win of course, with the All Blacks coming in a close second.
New Zealand have been the outstanding side of the past few years, and hotly tipped by the pundits, including Martin Johnson. Are they such hot favourites?
They have to be on current form, but they have to carry that into the World Cup, something that they have traditionally not been good at. They will be very strong if they can stay away from injuries.
What about a dark horse to look out for?
Ireland look very strong and are in with a shout of going all the way, but they’ll need a tad of that Irish luck.
How do you see the other Six nations teams doing?
France will always be strong on home turf and they have a very partisan crowd. Scotland have exciting players but may struggle up front. If they get good ball they should be able to play fast and wide.
I think Wales will do well but they have a lot of injuries, if they can get their best XV on the park they will be a match for anyone.
Players to look out for?
Dan Carter and Carl Hayman have been playing very well but Jonny Wilkinson will be up there with them if he can stay fit, which he has been up until now.