2. Brutal Austin
Harry Ellis had taken Austin Healey’s position at scrum-half in 2001 – and Healey had dropped to the bench. In the changing rooms before the game, the experienced Healey came over to Ellis and asked how he was feeling ahead of his debut in front of 15,000 at Welford Road – Ellis replied ‘I’m really, really nervous about it mate – absolutely bricking myself!’, to which Healey told him ‘Yeah, well you should be nervous – because you’re f*cking sh*t!’
He also once took aim at Wales speedster Shane Williams. the England international left a lasting impression that day after the two lined up on opposing wings.
‘Come on Williams, I thought you had gas. You’re much slower than I thought you’d be’, is Shane’s recollection of what Healey taunted.