Partnering Wade Dooley, Ackford became an important part of the new side captained by Will Carling.

He and proud mum Christine will be waiting with bated breath as Will Carling announces the winners at a special ceremony in the Howard Hotel.

Quins had started in top gear with Will Carling ripping through the Rugby midfield for the opening try.

They were believed by many to be England's greatest centre pairing until Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott.

Had England this season won a third successive Grand Slam under Will Carling, it would have been mighty difficult to go against his record.

I never thought I'd be seeing in the New Year with Will Carling and company in Lanzarote.

Now the tourists find themselves the underdogs with Will Carling expected to lead England to their third win in the sides' 10th meeting.

Indeed, South Africans had to openly restrain themselves from cheering for Will Carling's heroes.

But that would be like Geoff Cooke turning to Will Carling at a crucial time for English rugby.

This broke the previous record set by Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott.