To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other setbacks gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment. I know myself well enough to know that I will never truly be satisfied.

I'm pretty aware that the pursuit of perfection is, inherently, a flawed concept.

Right through to the end of the last World Cup game, I still couldnt bear the thought of not being perfect or letting people down.

I want to be more than just some guy who played in a World Cup final.

The conversation topic in my head is not what role I should play; it is whether I am going to play at all.

My own position is so far on the obsessive side of preparation and professionalism that I fear my point of view is not going to be shared by anyone.

I don't like kicking the ball a lot.