Conversation so far:
What happened in 1995?
In the 1995 Five Nations, Leonard won a record (for a prop) 38th cap for England.
Did he do anything else in 1995?
).
In England's final pool match against Western Samoa, Leonard was rested and his record of 40 consecutive England caps ended.
Who beat the record?
CANNOTANSWER.
What happened in 96?
In November 1996, Leonard skippered England for the first time, against Argentina at Twickenham.
How did that turn out?
Leonard scored a try to level the scores, and a Mike Catt penalty won the game 20-18.
What was the next game?
In the 1996-1997 season, Leonard began to play for England at tighthead prop (number 3) to make room for Leicester Tigers loosehead prop .
Did he do well there?
Leonard was selected for his second British and Irish Lions tour, this time to South Africa.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
England held high hopes for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

Question: Why did they hold high hopes?
Self-contained rewrite: Why did England hold high hopes for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in South Africa?