TIM RODBER has taken on the England sevens captaincy for next weekend's World Cup in Hong Kong after Lawrence Dallaglio's exit with a heavy cold.

Dallaglio's withdrawal, with the same illness that ruled him out of Saturday's Triple Crown-winning match in Cardiff, has seen Saracens flanker Richard Hill drafted in for the 10th squad place in the sevens party.

England hope to clinch a third world sevens title, continuing their perfect record in a tournament that has been held only twice before, in 1973 and 1993.

Even without Dallaglio, there are five players who helped to win the trophy in 1993 and coach Les Cusworth remains at the helm. England kick off the long path to the final against Zimbabwe and Canada.

"But along the way we may have to meet and beat Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Sevens, experts Fiji," warned Cusworth.