No longer afraid of heights

There have been many unlikely heroes in England's even more unlikely march to the World Cup semi-finals from the origins of their 38-0 defeat to South Africa in the pool stages, but few have been more uplifting in the tournament than the story of Andy Gomarsall.

Twelve years ago, the then 21-year-old was called out to South Africa as cover for the injured Dewi Morris in advance of the quarter-final against Australia but didn't make the squad. "Back then it was an absolute dream to be flown out, to be in the stands watching England beat Australia in the quarter-finals was a pretty amazing experience. Twelve years on it's happened again, though I would have hoped it wouldn't have taken this long to become involved."

In 1995 he vowed to be a part of the World Cup experience but missed out in 1999 through injury and, confined to a bit part in the pool stages, watched the 2003 final from the stands in his suit when Kyran Bracken was back-up to Matt Dawson. "That was a huge driving force, it was hugely frustrating and I told myself I did not want to be in this situation again in four years time," he said.

However, two years ago he was briefly club-less and it seemed he would then be playing out his career with Harlequins. Given Shaun Perry's status within the squad and Peter Richards' versatility, Gomarsall probably wouldn't even have made it to this World Cup had it not been for Harry Ellis' knee injury.

Perry started the 28-10 win over the USA, being replaced by Richards on the hour, and was again replaced by Gomarsall after a particularly undistinguished and unconvincing first half with South Africa already 20-0 up. The 33-year-old Gomarsall started and finished the rejuvenating 44-22 and 36-20 wins over Samoa and Tonga, and save for a six-minute stint in the blood bin when having some stitches and bandaging applied to his head, did so again in the 12-10 quarter-final victory over Australia.

"I'm still pinching myself a bit," Gomarsall admitted at England's base in Neuilly in the north-western outskirts of Paris yesterday. "I always felt there was some unfinished business with playing for England; there was a burning light there and I just kept going for it. I'm here now and just looking forward."

The role of the scrumhalf has always been hugely instrumental in previous World Cups but if anything, with the advent of more recycling and more clearing away for the number nines, their influence has become even more pronounced. Gomarsall has given the world champions a calming influence and real leadership in his link play, box kicking and constant cajoling of those around him.

More than anything, the position requires a calm head and quick decision-making, and Gomarsall's new approach has echoes of the improvement in Eoin Reddan's game courtesy of advice from his Wasps coach Shaun Edwards to simply relax and enjoy himself more. "I've learned what not to do, just tried to eradicate the negatives in my game and highlight the positives and the way we are looking to play the game now suits my style," said Gomarsall.

"Harlequins last season enabled me to play a much more all-round game, taking much more responsibility, and it's come through to where I am now.

"The game is getting faster and rucks more chaotic and every situation is different for scrumhalf. I'm revelling in it. Previously I wasn't quite there mentally, but I am absolutely loving it, the whole experience and atmosphere.

"England v France is going to be heightened even more, which I didn't believe it could be from Saturday. A couple of years ago that would have got to me but I've turned it round mentally and within the group we don't fear anyone. We are on the up now and we want to keep improving."