Lancaster Appointed As England Coach

by Dugald Skene

The RFU confirmed today that they have chosen Stuart Lancaster for the permanent position as head coach of England.  Given the 4 wins from 5 during the recent 6 Nations, it is perhaps little surprise, but I can’t help but feel that this is a little bit of a short-sighted decision.

First and foremost, I think Lancaster is a good coach.  He clearly understands the game, his players and knows how to get the best out of them.  Perhaps this was exaggerated by the fact that many of his players were new to the international scene and therefore naturally keen to step up and impress.  However, the biggest doubt coming into the 6 Nations was about how Lancaster would deal with high level strategy and tactics.  With those 4 wins, including victory in Paris, it would seem that any doubts within the RFU have been allayed. 

There is a big ‘but’ here though, and it comes in the shape of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.  As well as England did in the 6 Nations, many (if not all) of the opponents they beat underperformed.  They were perhaps lucky to come away from Edinburgh and Rome with wins and victories over France and Ireland seemed a little bit hollow (at least to the neutral viewer) because of the inconsistent form of the two teams.  The one team they played that were performing well, Wales, came out on top at Twickenham.  The southern hemisphere teams will provide a far more realistic yardstick if the English have sights on the world cup.

The bigger test will be coming over the next 8 months as England take on the very best in the world, and England push for a top 4 IRB world ranking for the RWC pool selections at the end of the year.  In my opinion, there are 3 teams playing for 3^rd and 4^th, England, Wales and South Africa.  The way these teams play against each other will be key to how the world cup groups will look.

Stuart Lancaster has impressed sufficiently to get the

job on a permanent basis

And what of the world cup? Well, it’s in England.  It’s probably easy to underestimate the increased pressure to perform for the host nation during a world cup, whatever the sport, but when it’s England playing rugby, there will likely be as much expectation as the All Blacks faced in 2011.  The pressure to deliver will be massive, and it’s here that the RFU have taken their biggest risk.  By appointing Lancaster on the basis of 5 games, over the likes of Nick Mallett with proven RWC experience, the RFU have basically said that they see him as being the man to win them the world cup under the toughest of circumstances. 

It’s way too early to start saying that it’s impossible for someone with relatively little experience to succeed, there are still 3 RBS 6 Nations tournaments to play, 3 autumn international series to play and 3 summer tours to go on before a world cup ball is kicked.  It’s a risk, of course, but only time will tell whether it will pay off and the first real indicator will be in November.

Lancaster will need the support around him.  I’ve mentioned before in this blog that Andy Robinson, as good a hand-on coach as he clearly is, often struggles with the strategic element of games as well as the media side.  As number 2 to Clive Woodward in 2003, he was able to get on with what he was good at in coaching the players.  I think that Lancaster is of a similar mould and would benefit from having someone to take the pressure away from him where possible without impinging on the way he wants to run his team.  It would have to be someone he feels comfortable working with rather than a random RFU appointment, and it would have to be made sufficiently far enough ahead of the world cup to allow integration and familiarity.

These are interesting times for England and their supporters.  Both the coaches and the squad demonstrated a desire to progress and the ability to succeed.  The key for Lancaster is to find a way to sustain that success.

Pressure on Farrell

England v Wales

Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Date: Saturday, 25 February
Kick-off: 1600 GMT

With the news that Owen Farrell will play at fly half in place of the injured Charlie Hodgson on Saturday and with England wearing the rare tag of 'underdogs' at home, much attention has turned to how England will look to beat the Welsh.

I think the answer is pretty simple, and it won't be dissimilar to the way Scotland have played in the last few seasons - carry the ball through the middle with 2 big centres and kick for position.

If faults can be picked with the way the Wales team are playing at the moment, most criticism would be aimed at their lineout which has been far from secure so far in the tournament.  Ireland persistently disrupted Welsh ball in Dublin and Richie Gray had a field day against Huw Bennetts throwing in the last game against Scotland.

England will look to kick to touch to try and expose that potential weakness.  One huge benefit for the Wales team is the return of talismanic second row forward Alun Wyn-Jones to fold, a man who's presence alone will do huge amounts to settle the nerves of Ken Owens who starts at hooker for the first time in what will be his third cap.

The ever passionate Alun Wyn-Jones

returns to the Welsh team

Of course, to be able to pin the Welsh back like that, Farrell will have to be in very good kicking form.  Used to playing at 10 for Saracens, I doubt he will be phased by the positional change and his goal kicking has been sound following his performance in Rome.  However, thus far in the tournament, he hasn't been relied on a great deal to kick from hand.

With Sam Warburton back, Rhys Priestland in improved health and an in form Jamie Roberts, there will be plenty of Welsh arsenal firing at him on Saturday.

I suspect though that England will look to take the ball through a few phases before they kick to the corners when they can.  The re-introduction of Manu Tuilagi into the centre with equally physical Brad Barritt makes for an intriguing contest against the stalwart pairing of Roberts and Davies and should provide plenty of fireworks.

For Wales, aside form the lineout, they need to keep going as they have so far in the tournament.  The tag of 'favourites' at Twickenham will not sit well with them, and I'm sure Gatland and his men will be keen to ignore that pressure of the expectant.

It should be a cracker, but I can't see Wales losing.  They have only won 17 games away to England in the 5/6 Nations in 57 attempts, and never by more than 13 points.  Believe it or not, this is the best record away to England in the tournaments history and I see them adding to their win column.  By 10 points.

England Declare Their Intent

Stuart Lancaster revealed the England team he believes can win at Murrayfield for the first time since 2004.  His selection has thrown up 8 debutants in the 22, 3 of whom are starting.  The backs heavily rely on Saracens players and the back row looks as dangerous as it has for a long while for England.  So here's the full team:

Ben Foden; Chris Ashton; Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, David Strettle; Charlie Hodgson; Ben Youngs; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Mouritz Botha, Tom Palmer; Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw (captain), Phil Dowson.

Reps: Rob Webber, Matt Stevens, Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson, Jordan Turner-Hall, Mike Brown.

The most notable combination in the line-up is the centre pairing of Saracens duo Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt, both of whom are earning their test debuts.  It's a risky strategy from Lancaster to field two international novices, but one where he is relying on the success of the partnership at club level to transpire in the test arena. 

Brad Barritt makes his debut alongside

Saracens teammate Owen Farrell

With 4 of the 7 backs plying their trade at Saracens (the others being David Strettle and Charlie Hodgson who have both endured long spells out of the English set-up), it would be easy to assume that the style of rugby Lancaster is looking for would be similar to that employed by the club, but Lancaster suggests otherwise, stating at today's press conference that "[Hodgson, Farrell and Barritt] are used to playing together, but we will use them slightly differently to how Saracens do."

In the forwards, the fifth Saracens player, lock Mouritz Botha, earns only his second cap whilst the back row includes a mix of experience and otherwise with Phil Dowson earning his debut, new captain Chris Robshaw and seasoned campaigner Tom Croft.  All three are good ball carriers and handy at the lineout, no doubt a specific tactic to confuse the likes of Hamilton and Gray.

The bench sees Lancaster continue to pick on form, with no evidence that he will be relying on experience if things start to go pear-shaped on Saturday. Harelquins duo Jordan Turner-Hall and Mike Brown are joined by Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson with Matt Stevens and Rob Webber completing the line-up.

Lancaster has hailed his selection as "...a team for now, and a team for the future – we’re trying to achieve both."  Certainly, the first part of that statement is true as he has picked a team very much based on current form.  As for the second part of that statement being true?  Well I guess we'll find out over the coming weeks.  There are certainly a lot of players that will be looking to cement a place in the England team for years to come.

6 Nations Preview

The 6 week long extravaganza that is the RBS 6 Nations officially launches today, and each nation will be heading in all with optimistic expectations.

After a world cup that saw some home nations excel and others ultimately leave disappointed, every team will be looking to improve during the 6 Nations.

I'll state now that I don't think there will be a Grand Slam winner this year. As the gaps in class between the 6 teams get smaller, everyone has the ability to take points from each other, this year more than ever.

Here's my rundown on each country, their key issues, expectations and players and what it'll take for each to take home the title.

England

England fans surely can't wait for the tournament to start. It'll be the first opportunity to see their team since the disappointing RWC campaign in New Zealand, to hopefully wipe the slate clean and of course to see if they can defend their 6 Nations title.

A new era has brought in a new interim coach with Stuart Lancaster calling the shots. His elite squad includes 9 uncapped players who are all based in England with the exception of Ben Morgan (Scarlets) and who have all performed well for their respective clubs.

Stand out additions include Owen Farrell who has been superb at Saracens. Playing at 12 lately with the resurgence of Charlie Hodgson at 10, Farrell looks a player well beyond his 20 years, exciting and with a good kicking boot. A useful kicking option at inside centre, he provides a Mike-Catt-style midfield option and of all the new faces, will most likely find a starting berth in February, or at least a place in the 22.

Owen Farrell

Harlequins prop Joe Marler brings his significant bulk and skill (and ridiculous haircut) into the fray. At 21, he again looks every bit an established player, though he admits he has lots yet to learn. With a secure berth in the Quins front row, he has managed to progress significantly and consistently through the season and deserves his squad place.

It's hard to assess the prospects of a largely new squad and new coach. Personally, I can only hope that the style of rugby that Lancaster will instill into his team will be an improvement on Martin Johnson's ethos, so it will be intriguing to guage England's efforts when they start their defence at Murrayfield. With that trip and a visit to Paris, I just feel they might struggle a little in this time of transition.

Key players for England will be the same ones they pinned their hopes on during the world cup but who never really shone; the likes of Foden, Ashton, Lawes and Hartley.

Prediction: Fourth

France

The French look to be going into the tournament as favourites following a turbulent but reasonably successful RWC in New Zealand, reaching the final and losing by only 1 point to the hosts (making it 3 appearances and 3 losses in RWC finals).

New coach Phillipe Saint-Andre looks to have a steadier head on him than his predecessor Marc Lievremont who tinkered constantly with his selections. Saint-Andre has stuck to the majority of those who performed at the RWC and added a couple of new faces, most notably the exciting young Clermont centre Wesley Fofana.

France didn't part with many of their players through retirement after the RWC, and the team will be very similar to the one that took to the field against New Zealand. Given that consistency and that they have 3 home games it is hard to see them doing anything other than triumph, although maybe not with a Grand Slam (thinking specifically of their trips to Wales and Scotland).

Morgan Parra

The key player for me is scrum half Morgan Parra. Still only 22, the Clermont nuumber 9 has proved to be the best in his position in the world at the moment. He packs every skill required of his demanding role with the added responsibility of goal kicking. He calls the shots, marshalls his forwards and distributes always when required, reading the game so comprehensively. When Clermont played Leicester in the Heineken Cup earlier this season, he showed England's Ben Youngs exactly how it should be done, and in his own back yard.

Prediction: First

Ireland

After a world cup that promised so much, particularly after topping their group with the win over Australia, the Irish were ultimately left disappointed after their quarter-final loss to the Welsh in New Zealand.

Declan Kidney has named a small squad that excludes the injured talisman and captain Brian O'Driscoll through injury. Munsterman Paul O'Connell will lead the team in BO'D's absence. Other notable exclusions include Luke Fitzgerald, once seen as the longterm replacement for O'Driscoll. The news that he has not even been selected for the Irish 'A' Wolfhounds team shows everyone that he has a lot of work to do to earn a place in Kidney's thoughts again.

Paul O'Connell

Domestically, the Irish are doing extremely well. 2011/12 is the first season in the Heineken Cup that 3 Irish teams have made the quarter-finals with Ulster joining the perennial winners Leinster and Munster. All 3 teams provide the vast majority of the Irish squad and given the way those clubs are playing at the moment, it would take a strong will to bet against the Irish this time around.

Ireland host Scotland, Wales and Italy where they will be fully expected to win all 3. The trips to Twickenham and the Stade de France will certainly prove to be trickier, but recent history shows that the Irish have had their fair share of results at those stadiums.

Prediction: Second

Italy

The Italians always had it to do when placed in a RWC group with Ireland and Australia. They held their own for the first half against the Aussies but got decimated in the first half by Ireland.

There seems to be no question that the overall quality of the Italians has increased following the introduction of Benetton Treviso and Aironi into the RaboDirect Pro12 league. With much of the Italian squad based either in these two teams or in the French Top 14, nearly every player is now exposed to top level European rugby on a consistent basis.

Italy recorded their most famous victory of the 2011 tournament over the French in Rome, and it's the French they face first up, this time in Paris. It's difficult to see any kind of upset, that really would be the biggest result in the history of the 6 Nations following the intorduction of the Italians in 2000.

Their key man, as it seems to be every year, is number 8 Sergio Parisse. With the sort of ability that would see him claim a place in any international team setup, Parisse carries much of the responsibility of his team and country's expectations. And yet he either seems to thrive on it or manages to block it out as he is the most consistent performer when he takes to the field.

Sergio Parisse

Italy will be targeting home wins against England and Scotland in the final weekend. In the past, they have pushed the English close at least once and following their result against the French last time out, they'll believe they can do it again. On the basis that Scotland will pick up a couple of results prior to the game with Italy, I see the Italians once again struggling at the bottom of the table, but they will almost certainly provide a shock result somewhere.

Prediction: Sixth

Scotland

It's fair to say that Scottish rugby is on something of a high at the moment. Edinburgh's success in topping their Heineken Cup group and earning themselves a home quarter-final against 4 time winners Toulouse is testament to Michael Bradley and the style of rugby they promote. Glasgow meanwhile are still harbouring ambitions of grabbing a league play-off place for the second time in 4 seasons as their consistency of success in the RaboDirect Pro12 league continues.

Once again, it these teams that provide the bulk of Andy Robinson's squad members. He has selected hooker Ross Ford to lead out the country during the tournament after his first choice for captain Kelly Brown was injured last weekend playing for Saracens at Treviso and will be out for at least 8 weeks. Ford will win his 54th cap against England on February 4th.

Ross Ford

Injuries are a key worry for Scotalnd in the final fortnight leading up to the first weekend, most notably to Robinson's first choice fly-half Ruaridh Jackson (thigh), former captain Al Kellock (respiratory infection) and props Alasdair Dickinson (shoulder) and Ed Kalman (calf). The prop positions particularly are a worry as Moray Low is already ruled out and Euan Murray chooses not to play on Sundays, ruling him out of 2 of the 5 games.

Scotland's successes in the tournament have traditionally come in the 'even' years when they host England and France and travel to Ireland, Wales and Italy. Should they get off to a great start against England, and away in Cardiff against the Welsh, who knows what could happen. Having a two week gap before and after the French game could also prove to be beneficial.

Scotland's shortcomings, highlighted particuarly at the recent world cup in New Zealand, include the inability to capitalise on the possession and territroy they make. Scoring tries has been a real struggle in previous seasons, and it's hard to see where they will come from this time around. With no notable strike players added to the core group from the World Cup (it should be noted that game changing Edinburgh winger Tim Visser qualifies for Scotland this June, a little late for this tournament), Scotland will again be relying on the tactical nouse of either Dan Parks, the inexperienced Duncan Weir and Jackson when he returns.

The burden of scoring tries in the backs will fall to the household names of Sean Lamont, Joe Ansbro, Max Evans and Nick de Luca.

I believe that Scotland have a chance of achieving a top 3 place this year, provided they can secure the crucial home victories against England and France, which they are well capable of doing. England go to Murrayfield on February 4th having not won there since 2004 (and only twice since 1998) and Scotland will want it to stay that way.

Prediction: Third

Wales

There is perhaps greater expectation than ever on the Welsh team following their heroics at the world cup which some them knocked out at the semi final by the French, and by a single point. Many Welsh fans will still be debating the red card given to inspirational young captain Sam Warburton that day, but there is no point dwelling on the past. The 6 Nations provides an opportunity to cement the form they showed during the world cup and even exact some revenge against the French.

Warren Gatland has selected a squad that has a healthy mix of experience and new talent, the possible excpetion being the inclusion of Gavin Henson who has arguably only bagged a place due to first choice number 12 Jamie Roberts being out injured. As discussed previously in The Skene Skrum, Wales have more than enough options to cover for Roberts without Henson.

Wales are one of the hardest teams to predict for tournaments. Who would have thought after the 2007 RWC where they crashed out of their group, they would come back to claim a Grand Slam in 2008? That came 3 years after the Grand Slam that seemed to come out of nowhere. Having had a good world cup this time around, who's to say that the Welsh won't flunk and be competing for the wooden spoon this year?

George North

The key player for me is George North.  The natural try scoring successor to Shane Williams, North enters the tournament after a very impressive world cup.  Along with fellow winger Leigh Halfpenny, the pair will be looked upon to bag a few tries this time round.

Wales have three home games this year, but travel to Dublin and Twickenham. The home fixture with Scotland threw up a thriller two years ago and will no doubt do so again. Wales have proved by winning the Grand Slams in '05 and '08 that they can beat all teams home and away, but can they do it this time? I have a sneaky feeling they may struggle this year with the likes of Jamie Roberts, Alun Wyn-Jones and Luke Charteris out and Gethin Jenkins an injury doubt.

Prediction: Fifth

Winners & Losers (04/01/12)

So who's had a winning Christmas and New Year period and who ate to much turkey and drank too much (Danny Care)?

Winners

The Barclays Premier League - it seems no team with intentions of claiming the title have come through the festive period unscathed with Man Utd and Chelsea both losing at home and Man City, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal all dropping points to 'lesser' teams. It all contributes to a more interesting league, still anyone's to win.

Celtic - previously covered in this blog, Celtic claimed top spot in the SPL for the first time since April with a victory over their arch rivals Rangers. Consolidated with a New Year win over Dunfermline, it's 11 victories on the trot.

Scottish Rugby - a record 13,000+ crowd at Murrayfield and around 9,000 at Firhill saw Glasgow slug it out against Edinburgh to win the 1872 Cup, showcasing some young promising Scottish talent. Both teams are in good form of late, with one month to go until the 6 Nations and the Calcutta Cup.

Adrian Lewis - The Jackpot successfully defended his World Darts title, despite the majority of the crowd cheering on rival Andy Hamilton following farcical scenes in Lewis' semi final where he walked of stage because of a draft.  The final also saw Lewis very close to completing a 9 dart finish, just missing the double 12 on the final dart.

Losers

The NY Jets - it's been a miserable end to the NFL season for the Jets.  Wide receiver Santonio Holmes has been playing like a spoilt brat, playing only for himself and blaming everyone else for his own poor performance and QB Mark Sanchez has again underperformed in his third season.  The final weekend loss at Miami saw Sanchez thow 3 interceptions and persistantly struggle against the Miami defence.  Both players are on shaky ground right now.

Mark Sanchez really needs to improve

Danny Care - already mentioned, but that only reflects the fact that Danny Care has been TWICE reprimanded for drinking related incidents, leading to police charges, a court appearance and expulsion from Stuart Lancaster's consideration for England's 6 Nations title defence. See here for more!

Liverpool - The Anfield club have chosen not to appeal the FA decision to ban Suarez for 8 games following the alleged racist abuse towards Man Utd's Patrice Evra.  The first of those 8 games was played last night with Liverpool losing at Manchester City 3-0.

Lancaster Sticks To His Principles

When he was officially unveiled as the acting replacement for Martin Johnson as England head coach, Stuart Lancaster was quick to let everyone know that he and his team will not stand for any behaviour either on or off the pitch that could or would reflect badly on the team and the game.

As well as a show of fortitude to the press and the public, it was also a warning to any prospective England player to buck up their ideas if they fancy a chance playing for their country.

But already, Danny Care has taken it upon himself to test the resolve of the newly installed coach, and found that there is no flexibility.

Having been reprimanded for being drunk and disorderly before Christmas and after Harlequins Heineken Cup defeat to Toulouse at the Stoop, Care has again been caught, this time areested drink driving on New Years Eve.

 Danny Care won't be playing at the 6 Nations

Care, 25, is due to appear in court on January 16th and has commented "I made a very bad decision on the evening and need to take the punishment the courts hand out".  Whatever that outcome turns out to be, he has already found out that he is not being considered in any way for England's plans for the upcoming 6 Nations tournament with Lancaster describing the incident as "completely unacceptable" and adding "When we feel he can be trusted to behave appropriately on and off the field then he will be reconsidered for selection."

So Lancaster is pulling no punches and if it wasn't clear before, it will surely be now. 

Maybe Care was making up for not being at the World Cup where England conducted themselves poorly off the pitch and not much better on it?

In any case, he will miss his second consecutive major tournament at a time when he is in good form with his Harlequin team and would be pushing the likes of Ben Young for a starting place.  His lesson must surely now be learned. 

The End of an Era

It seeemd to come out of nowhere, but the announcement from Jonny Wilkinson that he has called time on his international rugby career appears to be as considered as the man himself.

I won't lie, I've never been a massive Wilkinson fan, quite the opposite on occasion.  For me he typified the style of rugby that England have always played since I started paying attention to rugby as a kid in the early 1990's.  In that time, England's style has always overrelied on a kicker, whether it be a Callard, a Grayson or an Andrew.  But it can't be denied that if that is the way you choose to play the game, he was the perfect fly-half for the system.  There's no doubt that Wilkinson has been the most consistent, efficient and successful of all in that period.

With a massive gap in his international career as a result of numerous injuries after the succesful 2003 World Cup campaign, there's no denying the enormous achievement to reach 91 England caps scoring 1179 points, with 6 Lion's caps and an additional 67 points.  His resolve and determination to constantly rebound from multiple injury disappointments is a true sign of his mental strength and passion for the game.

Clive Woodward built his team around Wilkinson and subsequent coaches have done similar. Is it any coincidence that Andy Robinson's relatively unsuccessful reign of England happened while Wilkinson was out of the international scene? I think not. For any player to have that kind of influence over the way a whole team is structured and plays for that length of time, no matter what you think of that approach to the game, is quite astonishing.

I'm not sure that Wilkinson would have scored as many points as he did if he played for a southern hemisphere side (compare his 7 international tries with the 29 Dan Carter has scored for the All Blacks before RWC 2011).  In a way, I think this is testament to a player who's ruthless efficiency in front of the posts has informed the way England have played over the last 13 years. 

A fine career for a fine player and by all accounts, a fine man.

Wilkinson - That career defining drop goal

Wilkinson's announcement is the latest of a series of events in English internaional rugby that seem to spell a change in direction in the way the English national team will play their rugby.

For all of their failings on and off the field at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, there were signs of the next generation of exciting players coming through such as Manu Tuilagi and Tom Wood with the slightly more established Foden, Lawes, Youngs and Ashton.  It's unfortunate that they played under Martin Johnson who's coaching mentality was understandably similar to his playing ethos - restrictive, direct and non-expansive.

Following the World Cup, many of those players who played alongside Johnson and most embodied his often bloodyminded and stubborn style of rugby while he was coach have retired - players like Lewis Moody and Simon Shaw have both called time on their England careers.

With these departures, a new coaching set up announced last week (headed by Stuart Lancaster who has overseen the progress of new young England prospects with the Saxons) and teams like Harlequins setting the pace in the Premiership with an exciting brand of rugby, will we start to see a more expansive England rugby team playing in the 6 Nations?

I hope so.