MATHEW Tait has waited a long time to show what he can do on the big stage and I believe he will grab his chance against Samoa.

For a long time he was in danger of being jack of all trades and master of none. But I have always seen him as a natural centre and I think he could form an interesting partnership with Olly Barkley.

He offers something different with his speed and the lines he runs but that does not take away from his tackling ability.

England will be in transition after this tournament and a good display on Saturday could nail his place in the side.

Combined with Olly's kicking ability it could be a partnership we will be seeing for years to come.

Obviously England have desperately missed Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half.

Although Olly had a fantastic game there against the USA, just having Jonny on the teamsheet gives everyone a massive lift.

The other changes in the backline are also encouraging. Josh Lewsey is one of the few players to emerge with their heads held high but I still do not think we have seen him at his best.

Playing at full-back will let him have plenty of ball and really get at the Samoans and it is about time we saw Mark Cueto on the wing.

He is not a natural full-back and I think that showed against the USA.

What he is though is one of the most devastating finishers in world rugby. There are very few other players I would back ahead of him in a one-on-one situation and hopefully he will get a few of those against Samoa.

And it is good to see Toby Flood back in the England fold.

He was outstanding for Newcastle against Sale at the weekend and showed what Brian Ashton was missing in the first place.

With Jonny fit he may not get a start but I am tipping him to make a real impact from the bench.

Tom Rees can count himself a little unlucky to lose his place at flanker but I am sure you are going to see a very different England performance this weekend

Against South Africa the pack was driven backwards but I would expect them to dominate proceedings against Samoa.

Hopefully you will see them establish a platform for the backs to shine - which is something they have not been able to do so far.

That is not to say it will be a walk in the park - far from it. Samoa will be desperate to qualify for the quarter-finals and they have the backs to do some real damage.

But it is all-or-nothing for England and they have enough talent and experience to deliver when it really counts.