MIKE BROWN laid into legends Lawrence Dallaglio and Austin Healey for sticking the boot into England captain Dylan Hartley.
Hooker Hartley’s poor form during Northampton’s shocking slump this season led to the pair publicly questioning his credentials as Six Nations skipper.
Eddie Jones’ faith means Hartley, 31, will win his 90th cap in next Sunday’s opener against Italy.
World Cup-winner Dallaglio, who led England in 22 of his 85 Tests, rapped: “Captains lead by example and Dylan is not doing that.”
And fellow player-turned-pundit Healey added: “For me it has never really worked.
“I don’t understand why he was made England captain — I don’t understand why he is England’s hooker.”
But full-back Brown fired back: “Lawrence isn’t in Dylan’s shoes and he doesn’t know what Dylan does.
“He’s not here doing what we are doing now. I’m sure it was very different to when he was playing.
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“He can comment all he wants but he doesn’t know the reality of what Dylan is doing or his impact on the team.
“And he doesn’t know how other guys feel about their captain and the impact he has — neither does Austin Healey and all those other guys that sit there and comment.”
There is no such thing as an easy day for the England captain, especially with Jones firing off emails at the crack of dawn.
And Harlequins full-back Brown, 32, a Land Rover ambassador said: “Dylan has the hardest job in the England camp and people don’t see or really know how hard it is.
“I don’t think I could do what Dylan does. It is relentless and the way he does it is brilliant.
“We wouldn’t be where we are as an England team without a leader like Dylan. His work ethic is second to none — on and off the field.
“He has brought the guys together and works well alongside Eddie who is a tough bloke — and even tougher on his captain.”
England have won 22 out of 23 Tests under Jones, landed back to back Six Nations titles and just missed out on a second Grand Slam by losing to Ireland.
Saracens’ Jamie George is rated a better hooker than Hartley (below, top) and played all three Lions Tests in New Zealand.
But Brown, battling to be fit for Rome after suffering blurred vision, added: “I have played with Dylan for England for years and he is a brilliant captain.
“Eddie wants England to be player-led and Dylan makes sure that happens getting groups together, talking to guys and always driving the sessions. His is always the standout voice but he encourages others to have a voice as well.
“He deals with things from welcoming new guys into camp, dealing with older guys, referees. The list is endless and he’s brilliant at it.”
- MIKE BROWN is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover has a heritage in rugby from grassroots to elite, supporting the game for two decades. @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal
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