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England's latest captain Lewis Moody insisted on Friday that he would not compromise his playing style despite his new-found responsibility.

The Leicester flank was named as skipper for Saturday's Six Nations match against France in Paris after Steve Borthwick was ruled out with a knee injury.

Moody, known as 'Mad Dog' in rugby circles, became the first Englishman to be sent off at Twickenham when he was dismissed against Samoa in 2005.

But the loose forward, also renowned as one of the bravest players in the game, has vowed not to change his all-action style.

"It is just another game for me - for me it is all about playing," Moody stated.

"If I need to say something I will do. The most important part of being captain is playing the game. It is not going to change me in any way whatsoever.

"I am not going to talk more than I have done - I am just going to play the way I do and hope that is enough."

Moody has captained his club side Leicester on a handful of occasions but is adamant his inexperience in the role will not be a handicap at Stade de France.

However he admitted that Martin Johnson, his former club and national captain, and now England manager would be the first person he turns to if he needs advice.

"I have been part of this squad for a long time and had a role as part of the leadership team," he added.

"You voice your opinions when needed and I voice my opinion anyway. We have got other guys with a huge amount of experience so it is not that difficult.

"If you have played the game long enough you make the right decisions. You have got people like Nick Easter and Toby Flood around you so you can always look for support. When I have been playing over the years and players have been making decisions around you, you get a feel for it.

"If I am worried about anything I will go to Johnno. There are not many people in a better position than him to advise on captaincy through some great experiences he has had.

Johnson, explaining why he had turned to Moody, said: "Lewis is an inspirational figure in the group and he will bring us that energy and dynamism."

The England manager reported that Steffon Armitage, the London Irish flank, would travel with the squad, who flew to France on Friday afternoon, as a precautionary cover.

He said: "There is nothing major, a few of the back row are a bit bashed up but you get that at this time of the season."

AFP