I’ll Dyl-iver for ten more years
DYLAN HARTLEY aims to still be a world-class hooker when he is 40 – and hopes to lead England for almost as long.
The forward, 30, was back in the front row firing line in France yesterday, making his return from a six-week back injury in Northampton’s Champions Cup 41-7 defeat to Castres.
Hartley (below) is now determined to be 100 percent ready to take on South Africa in the first of the Autumn Twickenham clashes on November 12.
The man who led England to Six Nations and Australia tour triumphs is also focusing on the future and making sure his body and mind allow him at least another decade at the top.
Hartley, who has won 75 caps, said: “I’m nowhere near ready to finish yet. I want to play as long as possible.
“I’m in my prime so I’ve got another 10 years in me at least.
“My mate Paul Tupai is still playing with Bedford GARY FITZGERALD at the age of 41. I love the game and the environment. I will also miss the lads when it comes to an end.
“Your career can go so fast. I’ve spoken to Victor Matfield, who was playing for us last season at 38 and Brad Thorn who is still going at 41.
“The older you get, the more professional you become – and that’s certainly where I am at the moment in terms of looking after my fitness and body.
“I’ve learned about diets and recovery techniques. “I want to make each season special by winning trophies.
“If you don’t they just become a lot of games played.
“Last season was great with the Six Nations and then the Australia tour. It could not have gone any better.
“It’s a great honour to captain England and as long as Eddie Jones wants me to do the job I will do it as best I can.”
England’s record try scorer took his tally to 28 touchdowns in 28 games with his first-half efforts.
But, more importantly, it sends England into the Four Nations tournament next week with their tails up.
France put up a f ar more spirited performance than they had when they got stuffed 84-4 by England a year ago.
Eloi Pelissier, who joins Super League newcomers Leigh next season, gave them the lead to the delight of the passionate Avignon crowd.
They also rattled England at times to give Bennett’s side a decent test ahead of next Saturday’s opening tournament game against New Zealand.
The Aussie handed five players their debuts and rested most of the players who appeared in the Grand Final a fortnight ago.
He also switched players around in the game to check on combinations but his slightly weakened side showed a promising ruthless streak. France coach Aurelien Cologni had ramped up the tension before the game by claiming that England were showing disrespect by only flying into Avignon on the day of the match.
If it was aimed at winding up his players it worked – with a scrap breaking out after only two minutes with Benjamin Garcia objecting to a tackle from Mike Cooper.
Referee Phil Bentham l et both sides off with a lecture despite fists f l ying, i ncluding from French pair Benjamin Jullien and Julian