Lewis Moody: Tom Croft was a 'unique' talent

Leicester Tigers and former England forward Tom Croft has been hailed as a 'unique' talent by his old teammate Lewis Moody.
The 32-year-old was forced to retire on medical grounds this week, ending a glittering career which included playing 40 times for England, five tests for the British and Irish Lions and 173 appearances for his beloved club.
And from one flanker to another, Mad Dog Moody, who also had his fair share of injuries, paid tribute to Croft, describing him as a player like none other.
"He was a very special player and a unique talent," he said.
"He was like none other. His athletic ability, the core strength he had, the speed, the balance, he was phenomenal.
"Tom was my player of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour. It was a wonderful sight seeing a giant of a man burn a backline with ease. I remember when he left the French team for dead a few years ago, that was incredible."
Croft's last competitive game was back in March and Moody was quick to praise the resilience of his former Leicester Tiger during his injury-hit career.
"There is nothing more annoying than not being able to do the things you love because of injury," he said.
"It takes huge mental resilience to keep on going and keep overcoming every setback and Tom had that. He had a tonne of injuries but he kept coming back, it is just such a shame that he has been hampered by so many setbacks in recent years.
"All I can say is that it was a pleasure to play with him. He loved the game and he played with a smile, although I remember him not smiling as much through training.
"I am not sure if he has mentioned this but I know he did dance at school so maybe he put some of his athletic ability down to that. I wish him the best."

Lewis Moody: Level of criticism of England is 'unwarranted'

Former England captain Lewis Moody says that the criticism levelled at Eddie Jones' side is unwarranted as any other side would 'dream' of achieving their results.
Pundits and the media alike poured scorn on England's win over Argentina on Saturday, branding them uninspiring, laboured and not befitting of the second ranked team in the world.
But Mad Dog Moody was quick to point to the fact that England achieved a world-record equalling run of 18 test wins, a first Grand Slam since 2003 and a series whitewash of Australia in their own backyard.
This, coupled with not being able to call on Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola against the Pumas, was enough evidence to suggest the condemnation was over the top, according to the former flanker.
"I have never understood the criticism of this current English team. They are striving for greatness and their record under Eddie Jones is phenomenal - any other team would dream of having that record," he said.
"They have lost just once during his tenure. They are building a team with a world-class core that is similar to the 2003 side.
"They went from calamity in the World Cup to number two in the world. We should look on this more positively. The media's criticism is just unwarranted when you look at that record.
"We have strength in depth in every position. There is an embarrassment of riches and it is a very exciting time.
"Clive Woodward said it is about winning and ultimately that is right. Sure the performance was not pretty against Argentina but they are a good side, England had key players missing and they were a bit rusty.
"Expectations are certainly growing but there should be less negativity in my opinion."