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Dylan Hartley has started all three of England's RBS 6 Nations matches

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Hartley tipped for greatness by England rival Thompson

4 March 2010, 10:55 am

By Sportsbeat

Hooker Dylan Hartley is on the road to becoming an England great according to rival Steve Thompson.

World Cup winner Thompson has been forced to sit on the sidelines during the RBS 6 Nations with Northampton captain the man in possession of a starting shirt.

Thompson mentored Hartley during his time at Franklin’s Gardens and the Brive man insists Martin Johnson’s first-choice is well on his way to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

“I think Dylan can go all the way,” said Thompson. “We always said he could when he came to Northampton. We said that he could one day play for England and he has done that now.

“Hopefully he can make himself into one of the best hookers in the world.”

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