Why the success of cool, calm clubmate Heinz with England does not surprise me at all

My Gloucester team-mate Willi Heinz is an unbelievable passer, excellent kicker and very good person to have in a team.

He is a great leader, and not because he shouts his head off. He listens and leads by example. Willi (right) is seriously fit and, as a half-back, you lead through your decision-making. If you make effective decisions 80 or 90 per cent of the time, your side tend to win. Willi has such a cool, calm demeanour that he can do that. He

might run twice a game, for example, but those runs will produce breaks. I expected nothing less than the strong debut he made against Wales.

We can expect a really interesting World Cup. New Zealand were tested in the Rugby Championship, with South Africa killing it and Australia returning to form.

I was delighted for my friend and former teammate James O’connor.

The Israel Folau situation presented an opportunity for him in Australia’s team and he has taken it. Over the past two years he has brought himself away from the narrative that had surrounded him. I have seen how he has had to shake off the reputation as a troublemaker. To watch him get back into the team and help beat the All Blacks... wow.

On another former team-mate, Christian Wade’s touchdown for the Buffalo Bills was also a wonderful moment. He is the best winger I have ever played with and he is so inspiring.

He did not think he was improving as an athlete in rugby. I have never seen him move as quickly as he did when he went through the other night. America has already embraced his infectious personality and I am so happy for him, because success is what he deserves.