By Adrian Warner
LONDON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Lawrence Dallaglio, widely tipped to be England's new captain, has accused rugby union chiefs of organising too many internationals, saying the country's hopes of winning the next World Cup could be hampered by an overcrowded season.
The Wasps flanker, who is expected to be named as captain for four tests against the most powerful nations in the world in November and December, said rugby union's structure needed to be changed in the new professional era.
``The structure of the game still needs to be sorted out. I am facing 35 to 40 matches this season,'' Dallaglio said in a BBC radio interview broadcast on Saturday.
``There is a danger to over-saturate the international market, to have too many international matches. England have got eight this season with a tour to New Zealand bumping that figure up to 12.''
England's present captain Phil de Glanville said on Friday that he expected new coach Clive Woodward to pick Dallaglio as the skipper for the home tests against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
But the back row player, who played a key role during the British Lions' historic series victory over South Africa earlier in the year, seems to be starting off his reign in controversial style as England began their build-up to the 1999 World Cup.
Some believe England can bridge the gap between European rugby and the powerful southern hemisphere nations only by playing regular matches against the likes of the All Blacks and world champions South Africa.
But Dallaglio said: ``International rugby is something that should be cherished. Perhaps we are playing too many. We need to get the structure right because in two years' time when England are going into the World Cup they need to have players who are fresh, hungry and ambitious.
``When the players are playing 40 matches per season (in total with domestic games), there is a danger we won't get that.''
He said the Lions' triumph in South Africa had to be forgotten now and England had to set their sights on winning the World Cup for the first time.
``In a sense that is consigned to the scrapbook. That's history and we need to move forward,'' he said.
``Our goal has got to be to win the World Cup. England have got used to success and the supporters expect success. But we must not dwell too much on the Five Nations.
``Yes, it is a wonderful tournament and the tradition must continue. But the Triple Crown and Grand Slam have been won by previous England teams. Collectively we must work towards being the first England team to pick up the World Cup.''
In a British newspaper column, Dallaglio also confirmed that England would face the four tests without key centre Jeremy Guscott who has a back injury.
Guscott has not played since suffering a broken arm at the end of the Lions tour. Returning from that injury, he then hurt his back in training last month.
``Realistically he won't be fit until the New Year,'' said Dallaglio, who is a good friend of the Bath player. ``It is a setback for England in the short term because he has been in great form.''
England play Australia on November 15, the All Blacks on November 22, South Africa on November 29 and New Zealand again on December 6.
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