In the wake of Stuart Lancaster's departure, here's my post-mortem piece into what went wrong for the England head coach and his side at the Rugby World Cup.
And while Sam Burgess certainly gets a mention or two, he was - I argue - just one factor among many.
Xtra Time.
Showing posts with label Stuart Lancaster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stuart Lancaster. Show all posts
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Stuart Lancaster's bold England Rugby World Cup selections: Sam Burgess, Henry Slade and Ben Morgan
Luther Burrell and Kyle Eastmond must be feeling pretty miffed. Both centres have been passed over for inclusion in England's RWC squad - yet nothing the England coaches have said fully explains their omission in favour of international tyros Sam Burgess and Henry Slade.
Eastmond? He was jettisoned from the England camp at the first cut, despite his play-making abilities offering something different to the big-hitters of Burgess' ilk. When the England coaches talk of Slade offering "balance" to England's centre options, aren't Eastmond's twinkle-toed and fast-handed credentials (and significantly superior experience) being overlooked?
As for Burrell, one would have fought that the medals he's picked up at Northampton Saints in recent times would qualify him as a 'winner'. Yet he's been dropped for Burgess - because of the latter's "winning mentality".
Instead of Burrell and Eastmond, who over the past three years have built up a decent reserve of international experience, England will have two players who only tasted international Union for the first time earlier this month.
Burgess has his advocates, of course, not least this fella, who owns a League team as well as having made a few flicks:
But few would contest that 'Slammin' Sam' remains exceedingly raw in Union, with his positioning highly suspect at times. History suggests that experience wins you World Cups, and Burgess has precious little in the 15-man code.
Ben Morgan's inclusion is also fraught with risk. The Gloucester No. 8 has played just one half of rugby since breaking his leg mid-season. Conclusion? He must have been delivering some absolutely thumping performances in training.
To make your own mind up on the coaches' reasoning, listen to today's Talking Rugby podcast:
Eastmond? He was jettisoned from the England camp at the first cut, despite his play-making abilities offering something different to the big-hitters of Burgess' ilk. When the England coaches talk of Slade offering "balance" to England's centre options, aren't Eastmond's twinkle-toed and fast-handed credentials (and significantly superior experience) being overlooked?
As for Burrell, one would have fought that the medals he's picked up at Northampton Saints in recent times would qualify him as a 'winner'. Yet he's been dropped for Burgess - because of the latter's "winning mentality".
Instead of Burrell and Eastmond, who over the past three years have built up a decent reserve of international experience, England will have two players who only tasted international Union for the first time earlier this month.
Burgess has his advocates, of course, not least this fella, who owns a League team as well as having made a few flicks:
F**k me ... Lancaster you frigging champion . @AllBlacks take note. These boys are intending to win.
@Wallabies it's the Poms ... natural
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 27, 2015
But few would contest that 'Slammin' Sam' remains exceedingly raw in Union, with his positioning highly suspect at times. History suggests that experience wins you World Cups, and Burgess has precious little in the 15-man code.
Ben Morgan's inclusion is also fraught with risk. The Gloucester No. 8 has played just one half of rugby since breaking his leg mid-season. Conclusion? He must have been delivering some absolutely thumping performances in training.
To make your own mind up on the coaches' reasoning, listen to today's Talking Rugby podcast:
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Stuart Lancaster: Sam Burgess and Henry Slade performances have created World Cup selection headache
England boss Stuart Lancaster reflects on his midfield selection conundrum following England's World Cup warm up win over France.
Friday, 10 April 2015
First Steffon Armitage, now Nick Abendanon... England boss Stuart Lancaster's exceptionally tricky World Cup problem
If an overseas-based player consistently delivers 'exceptional' performances, does that mean that England head coach Stuart Lancaster should pick him?
Since 2011, the RFU's stated policy on Englishmen plying their trade abroad is that they should only be selected for the national side in "exceptional circumstances".
And so far under Lancaster's reign, circumstances haven't been deemed sufficiently exceptional in order for the clause to the invoked. Although there have been plenty of raised eyebrows along the way.
But what exactly does "exceptional circumstances" mean?
An exceptional run of injuries at home? An exceptional loss of form by home-based players? Or exceptional form by overseas players?
The term is vague - and probably deliberately so, meaning that the RFU has some wiggle room.
The rampaging form of Toulon loose forward Delon Armitage has been testing the meaning of the term for some time. And now we have Nick Abendanon, who has been playing out of his skin for Clermont Auvergne since leaving Bath over the summer.
This blog is a long-standing champion of Abendanon's. And for all those who are suddenly making a big song and dance about him this week in the wake of a stunning performance against Northampton in the Champions Cup on Saturday, I humbly point you in the direction of this post and interview I did with him in February.
Tellingly, Abendanon has picked up three man-of-the-match awards against English teams on the biggest stage in European club rugby this season. He is performing on the big stage. And he is stating a pretty irresistible - sorry, exceptional - case to be called up for the biggest stage of them all: the Rugby World Cup.
For me, it's simple. In a World Cup year of all years, you absolutely have to have your in-form players playing for your country, whether they are playing their club rugby in England, France, Georgia or Venus. To fail to do that - particularly for a Cup on home soil - is daft at best, and a national betrayal at worst.
If Lancaster's still in any doubt, then here's a little clip that hopefully clinches the deal:
Since 2011, the RFU's stated policy on Englishmen plying their trade abroad is that they should only be selected for the national side in "exceptional circumstances".
And so far under Lancaster's reign, circumstances haven't been deemed sufficiently exceptional in order for the clause to the invoked. Although there have been plenty of raised eyebrows along the way.
But what exactly does "exceptional circumstances" mean?
An exceptional run of injuries at home? An exceptional loss of form by home-based players? Or exceptional form by overseas players?
The term is vague - and probably deliberately so, meaning that the RFU has some wiggle room.
The rampaging form of Toulon loose forward Delon Armitage has been testing the meaning of the term for some time. And now we have Nick Abendanon, who has been playing out of his skin for Clermont Auvergne since leaving Bath over the summer.
This blog is a long-standing champion of Abendanon's. And for all those who are suddenly making a big song and dance about him this week in the wake of a stunning performance against Northampton in the Champions Cup on Saturday, I humbly point you in the direction of this post and interview I did with him in February.
Tellingly, Abendanon has picked up three man-of-the-match awards against English teams on the biggest stage in European club rugby this season. He is performing on the big stage. And he is stating a pretty irresistible - sorry, exceptional - case to be called up for the biggest stage of them all: the Rugby World Cup.
For me, it's simple. In a World Cup year of all years, you absolutely have to have your in-form players playing for your country, whether they are playing their club rugby in England, France, Georgia or Venus. To fail to do that - particularly for a Cup on home soil - is daft at best, and a national betrayal at worst.
If Lancaster's still in any doubt, then here's a little clip that hopefully clinches the deal:
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Nick Abendanon: How England boss Stuart Lancaster tried to prevent my move from Bath Rugby to Clermont Auvergne
Former England full-back Nick Abendanon talks to me exclusively about how England head coach Stuart Lancaster and former club Bath staged a last-minute attempt to dissuade him from making his summer move to French Top 14 giants Clermont Auvergne.
Abendanon was last month nominated for European Player of the Year, and few would take issue with the assertion that he's the continent's in-form full-back. Yet, absurdly, he's off the radar during the 6 Nations.
Read my article in The Rugby Paper.
Abendanon was last month nominated for European Player of the Year, and few would take issue with the assertion that he's the continent's in-form full-back. Yet, absurdly, he's off the radar during the 6 Nations.
Read my article in The Rugby Paper.
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
Danny Cipriani: England boss Stuart Lancaster explains fly-half decision ahead of Six Nations
Few can begrudge Danny Cipriani his recall to the England squad for the 6 Nations. Here, England head coach Stuart Lancaster explains his reasons for picking the Sale fly-half:
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Believe the hype - Semesa Rokoduguni could tank the opposition in the Autumn Internationals
For some, he is the “wildcard” in Stuart Lancaster’s squad for the Autumn Internationals.
For others, he “may just be the most destructive wide runner to emerge in English union in years”.
The subject of this speculation? Of course you know already: Semesa Rokoduguni.
The Bath winger seems to be everywhere at the moment – and not just in the sense of him covering every blade of grass whenever he takes to the pitch and gets those fearsome thighs pumping.
The Fijian-born British Army tank driver is rivaling Jose Mourinho for column inches at the moment (well, almost), and the wider media are close to manoeuvering him into position as this Autumn’s poster boy of English rugby.
Which is all fine, except for the fact that Rojkoduguni hasn’t yet played a single minute of rugby for England.
As I write this, there are three different photos of Rokoduguni on the BBC’s Rugby Union homepage. On top of that, pretty much every sports website and newspaper in the land has carried a profile on the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards lance corporal, and Jeremy Guscott has been calling for him to start against the All Blacks a week on Saturday.
So, there is plenty of anticipation about Roko – and no little expectation.
Will he be able to handle it? As I see it, the pressure of playing for England and the media circus that goes with it won’t be an issue. Rokoduguni has taken every aspect of his rapid elevation from Army 7s player to England squad member in his stride.
The question for me is whether Rokoduguni is able to adapt to England’s defensive structure in time. Given the way the England backline was dismantled by New Zealand in the final Test last summer, will Lancaster be brave enough to pitch an EPS squad novice straight in against the All Blacks?
In such circumstances, it might be something of a gamble to start Rokoduguni a week on Saturday. But it might be a greater gamble not to start him.
Rokoduguni got the nod in Lancaster’s squad ahead of Chris Ashton and Christian Wade because of the brutal - but legal - nature of his defensive work. Ashton’s recent try-scoring record is superb and Wade has just as much x-factor in attack as Rokoduguni, but neither can rival the Bath man’s defensive work.
And with Manu Tuilagi missing due to a groin problem, England’s backline could be lacking a certain physical presence without Rokoduguni.
The stage is set for his debut. And while it would be a baptism of All Black fire, Rokoduguni has the composure – and muscle – to handle it.
For others, he “may just be the most destructive wide runner to emerge in English union in years”.
The Bath winger seems to be everywhere at the moment – and not just in the sense of him covering every blade of grass whenever he takes to the pitch and gets those fearsome thighs pumping.
The Fijian-born British Army tank driver is rivaling Jose Mourinho for column inches at the moment (well, almost), and the wider media are close to manoeuvering him into position as this Autumn’s poster boy of English rugby.
Which is all fine, except for the fact that Rojkoduguni hasn’t yet played a single minute of rugby for England.
As I write this, there are three different photos of Rokoduguni on the BBC’s Rugby Union homepage. On top of that, pretty much every sports website and newspaper in the land has carried a profile on the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards lance corporal, and Jeremy Guscott has been calling for him to start against the All Blacks a week on Saturday.
So, there is plenty of anticipation about Roko – and no little expectation.
Will he be able to handle it? As I see it, the pressure of playing for England and the media circus that goes with it won’t be an issue. Rokoduguni has taken every aspect of his rapid elevation from Army 7s player to England squad member in his stride.
The question for me is whether Rokoduguni is able to adapt to England’s defensive structure in time. Given the way the England backline was dismantled by New Zealand in the final Test last summer, will Lancaster be brave enough to pitch an EPS squad novice straight in against the All Blacks?
In such circumstances, it might be something of a gamble to start Rokoduguni a week on Saturday. But it might be a greater gamble not to start him.
Rokoduguni got the nod in Lancaster’s squad ahead of Chris Ashton and Christian Wade because of the brutal - but legal - nature of his defensive work. Ashton’s recent try-scoring record is superb and Wade has just as much x-factor in attack as Rokoduguni, but neither can rival the Bath man’s defensive work.
And with Manu Tuilagi missing due to a groin problem, England’s backline could be lacking a certain physical presence without Rokoduguni.
The stage is set for his debut. And while it would be a baptism of All Black fire, Rokoduguni has the composure – and muscle – to handle it.
Sunday, 26 October 2014
"Possibility of injury is a constant shadow" says England hooker Rob Webber
England hooker Rob Webber has expressed his sympathy for injured rival Tom Youngs and declared: “The threat of injury is a shadow we all walk in.”
Youngs will miss the Autumn Internationals at Twickenham due to surgery on a shoulder injury picked up against Bath last month, and Webber knows better than most the frustrations that Youngs is going through.
Webber’s own international career has been blighted by injury, first by a serious shoulder problem and then by an ankle problem.
The Bath hooker is competing with Northampton’s Dylan Hartley for the starting berth during the Autumn Tests, with England head coach Stuart Lancaster opting to have just two hookers in the enlarged 41-strong squad confirmed this evening.
Webber, who has been capped eight times since making his debut in 2012, told me: “I feel for Tom. I’ve had my injuries and I’ve been there myself.
“The possibility of injury is a constant shadow that follows a player around.
“Staying fit is a critical part of professional rugby. Hopefully I’ve not jinxed it by saying that and hopefully I can have a good run."
Webber’s own international career has been blighted by injury, first by a serious shoulder problem and then by an ankle problem.
The Bath hooker is competing with Northampton’s Dylan Hartley for the starting berth during the Autumn Tests, with England head coach Stuart Lancaster opting to have just two hookers in the enlarged 41-strong squad confirmed this evening.
Webber, who has been capped eight times since making his debut in 2012, told me: “I feel for Tom. I’ve had my injuries and I’ve been there myself.
“The possibility of injury is a constant shadow that follows a player around.
“Staying fit is a critical part of professional rugby. Hopefully I’ve not jinxed it by saying that and hopefully I can have a good run."
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
Stuart Lancaster's class as coach shown through Freddie Burns' performance
If a coach’s report card is determined by how well he gets the best out of previously misfiring players, then Stuart Lancaster is currently edging towards an A+.
Eyebrows were raised when the England head coach announced he would start Freddie Burns ahead of the in-form Danny Cipriani at fly-half for the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland.
To say that Burns had an out of sorts season at Gloucester would be an understatement. Low on confidence and high on mistakes, Burns’ dip in form personified the Cherry and Whites’ more general malaise.
There were predictions from some quarters that the All Blacks would be licking their lips at the prospect of targeting England’s midfield, not least because Burns would be partnered by Bath Rugby’s Kyle Eastmond, another player who struggled to win selection for his club towards the end of the season.
What piffle that turned out to be.
Burns and Eastmond were superb, playing with assurance and guile in equal measure. Rather than being the weak link in a weakened England team, they were a potent attacking fulcrum and also solidly controlled the defensive line.
In had been forgotten by many that, only a year ago, Burns and Eastmond wreaked mayhem on England’s tour of Argentina, tearing the Pumas’ backline to pieces. (For proof of Eastmond's potency on that tour, see the video below.) Neither had won a further England cap since that 2013 trip to South America, but when they took to the field at Eden Park on Saturday they carried on from where they had left off in Buenos Aires.
Lancaster’s capacity to get the very best out of Burns and Eastmond speaks volumes not only about his on-field training methods but also his psychological preparation of players.
In sport, you are only ever one heavy defeat away from having your bubble burst. But at the moment, England are gaining altitude ahead of the World Cup at a decent rate.
Eyebrows were raised when the England head coach announced he would start Freddie Burns ahead of the in-form Danny Cipriani at fly-half for the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland.
To say that Burns had an out of sorts season at Gloucester would be an understatement. Low on confidence and high on mistakes, Burns’ dip in form personified the Cherry and Whites’ more general malaise.
There were predictions from some quarters that the All Blacks would be licking their lips at the prospect of targeting England’s midfield, not least because Burns would be partnered by Bath Rugby’s Kyle Eastmond, another player who struggled to win selection for his club towards the end of the season.
What piffle that turned out to be.
Burns and Eastmond were superb, playing with assurance and guile in equal measure. Rather than being the weak link in a weakened England team, they were a potent attacking fulcrum and also solidly controlled the defensive line.
In had been forgotten by many that, only a year ago, Burns and Eastmond wreaked mayhem on England’s tour of Argentina, tearing the Pumas’ backline to pieces. (For proof of Eastmond's potency on that tour, see the video below.) Neither had won a further England cap since that 2013 trip to South America, but when they took to the field at Eden Park on Saturday they carried on from where they had left off in Buenos Aires.
Kyle Eastmond in action in Argentina
Lancaster’s capacity to get the very best out of Burns and Eastmond speaks volumes not only about his on-field training methods but also his psychological preparation of players.
In sport, you are only ever one heavy defeat away from having your bubble burst. But at the moment, England are gaining altitude ahead of the World Cup at a decent rate.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Matt Banahan column coming your way
He might have accused me of being a car thief when I turned up at a press conference the other day in the editor's Merc, but Matt Banahan is still on track to write an exclusive column for The Bath Chronicle during the 6 Nations.
The England back was controversially dropped to the second-string Saxons by Stuart Lancaster earlier this month, but Banners is itching to get back into the senior squad and will be offering his own take on Europe's top rugby competition.
We're just dotting the i's etc but I should have more details soon.
We're just dotting the i's etc but I should have more details soon.
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