Thompson - strong and mobile. (Getty Images)
Steve Thompson
Born: 15.07.78
Height: 6ft 2in
Weight: 18st 7lb
Position: Hooker
Club: Northampton
Caps: 28
Points: 10
Thompson can consider himself fortunate to have maintained his place in the side for the clash with Wales after a terrible display of line-out throwing against Ireland at Twickenham.
'Wally' - he was known as Steve Walter when he joined Northampton before reverting from his stepfather's to his blood father's surname - undoubtedly brings strength and impressive mobility to the England front row.
And his formidable presence in open play is an asset to the pack. But as evidenced against the Irish, his throwing can go awry when the pressure is on against class opposition.
Thompson began his Northampton career as a flanker before moving through the scrum and if he is given space in the loose, he has the pace and sound handling required to be a success in his former position.
At 6ft 2ins, he is tall for a hooker but his combination of speed, power and aggression make him one of the finest No 2s in the world game.
Another poor display at the line-out will see understudy Mark Regan come in, though, and with the likes of Andy Titterell and Matt Cairns lurking in the wings Thompson can not be assured of his place.
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