Toby Booth believes that the Americans will bring skills from the NFL to tomorrow’s Barclays Churchill Cup opener against England.



The England Saxons coach told today’s Gillette Rugby Podcast “They’re adding the professionalism which they take out of their mainline sports, NFL etc..



“They’re developing physical athletes, adding the technical and game specific aspects that you get from playing year in year out and they’re becoming huge as well as physical. I think they are going to provide a massively stiff challenge.”



England kick off their defence of the Barclays Churchill Cup at 2.05pm (7.05pm UK time) tomorrow in Ottawa, Canada.



Hoping to set the stage alight on his Saxons’ debut is England Sevens star Ben Foden. “It’s a great opportunity for me as a professional player.” Said Foden.



The Sale Sharks full back who has been snapped up by Northampton Saints for next season continued “This is the first time I have been involved with a senior international England squad with the likes of Anthony Allen and playing with players of Ryan Lamb’s calibre, I’m really looking forward to it.”



Plus, after leading his side to a 17-14 defeat of the Barbarians last weekend, England’s newest captain Nick Easter will be hoping to give the All Blacks the same treatment next Saturday, but he knows it won’t be easy.



“There’s never been a poor All Blacks side as far as I’m concerned they’re always extremely strong.



“I know that they have a game against Ireland before they play us in the first Test so we will be looking closely at that, but that might be one to blow the cobwebs away.”



And finally, England and London Wasps legend Lawrence Dallaglio gives us his reasons for backing the September 20, 2008 Help for Heroes Challenge and why it might bring him back onto the Twickenham turf.



“I’m proud of what our service men and woman achieve all over the world and this is a chance for rugby to give something back.” Said Dallaglio. “This is an opportunity to raise money and help people get their lives back on track.



“I took on the roll of a non-playing captain and I’m more than happy to fulfil that roll but if coach Mr De Glanville decides that he wants to extend that roll to being out on the pitch then who am I to disagree!”



For the full interviews, check out the Gillette Rugby Podcast at www.rfu.com/podcast. Here, you can listen to the weekly podcast or subscribe to itunes and have it delivered straight to you inbox each week.



Launched almost 18 months ago, the weekly Gillette Rugby Podcast takes a topical look at the world of rugby, addressing issues from the elite game right through to the grass roots.