Tait, arguably more than any other player, represents the future of England rugby. A gifted centre - who has also played at full-back and on the wing - he has pace to burn and a game-breaking ability that earmarks him as an individual of the highest quality. His brilliant break during the 2007 World Cup final against South Africa provided the game's most exciting moment. Tait made his England debut aged 19 in the 2005 RBS 6 Nations but had to wait until the 2006 tour of Australia to win his next cap. He spent much of the 2008 6 Nations on the bench but came on to score a try against Ireland at Twickenham. He moved from Newcastle Falcons to Sale Sharks last summer when he also started at full-back in the second Test against New Zealand. However, a hamstring injury prevented him playing in the autumn internationals.