posted Nov 13, 2006

Am glad you agree on my front row.

I think Im right in saying that Balshaw is 25. He can be taught to tackle and kick. As he plays more games his running game will just keep improving. England as a whole just do not produce enough players with his running ability. SCW loved him coz he see's space quicker than other players and he's got the pace to get there.

As for the rest of your team the only real players that have turned up so far in these games for England are Cohen and Kay. They are a most at the moment.

And sanderson is just not powerfull enough to play at 8, hence my choice of Ward-smith. (had another good game at the weekend)

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posted Nov 13, 2006

I agree that Andy Robinson needs to go. But at the end of the day we do not have a team capable of winning the world cup. In 2003 12 / 15 were truly world class players. That is not the case today. The youngsters will be given time. The 2003 team were 10 years in the making.

That said I feel the current team can be good enough to play much better than they have been. And possibly challenge for the 6 Nations, if certain changes are made. In the forwards I would love to see Corry move into the 2nd Row to allow Lol to come back in at 8. And if Hilly continues to make a steady comeback he is a sure fit at 6. Just need to find a genuine 7. (I know this is short termist but these are players that still have something to offer and can help bring the youngsters on).

As for Hodgson, I have just read Kingsley Jones comments. I disagree that most 'Rugby people' are siding with Charlie. Charlie is probably the most skillfull 10 we have ever had. Sadly, mentally he is to fragile. He has not got what it takes to execute when the pressure is on. He has never backed himself in a tight spot. So you cannot expect those around him to back him.

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posted Nov 13, 2006

Can't help disagreeing with JonSever about Hodgson. The comments might have been good three years ago, but if he is still looking over his shoulder, then he isn't destined for greatness. Also, good kickers shouldn't have "good days"; they might have off days, but otherwise they are consistent. He lacks creativity, and looks strictly 2nd division against class opposition.
Get well soon Wilko.

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posted Nov 13, 2006

Its such a shame the AR, in his backward looking ways did not blood Allen, Flood, Lund etc during the last 6 nations maybe against italy or wales. I'm pretty certain that playing against new zealand in the form they're in isn't going to be great for a young players confidence.

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posted Nov 13, 2006

The fact that so many people on this board are talking about Hodgson, when the original discussion was about the coach, surely proves a point in itself - Charlie is under incredible pressure to perform, in a crucial position on the pitch, and having to fill the boots of one of the most iconic players ever to grace the English game.
So of course he's struggling mentally.
But the question surely must be this: If surrounded by a quality team which is performing well and winning games, would he play better?
I feel he definitely would - witness his match-winning performances for Sale.
Hodgson's never had it easy for England and he's come to symbolise our post-World Cup lull. But it doesn't make him a bad player.
Yes, he's got a few issues to deal with but he can't be a sacrificial lamb for a failing team and uninspiring coach.
In fact if we are going to change our style and direction and start running the ball better he's probably a key to our success.
Get some wins under our belt, let him slot a few important kicks, and it may just kick-start his international career.

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posted Nov 13, 2006

Well all this does seem to be getting us no where - why turn back the clock - let's just resign ourself to winning the 2011 world cup - surely AR will have retired by then!

AR has no inspirational bone in him (?spineless) what England need is people that can actually lead - Ok so Lol can and maybe for now he might be someone to have around to back up one of the youngsters in developing their captaincy role, but let's not go backwards and rely heavily on these guys that are now nearing the 'past it stage' as far a international level rugby goes - Argentina certainly played to the fact that Cohen can't turn and run!!
Hodgson does deserve all the stick he is getting - he has brought it on himself over the past few years with his poor performance - missing a whole string of penalties has nothing do do with poor delivery from the number 8/9.
Maybe what is really the problem is the whole English game set up - lets get back to what is wrong with the premiership - why don't the big clubs get their heads out and lets go for a Super 14 style league where we can practice and play flowing high risk rugby without the risk of loosing money for the clubs.
AR is just a puppet and it is time to cut his strings and the rest of th RFU as well for that matter and lets get the english game sorted then we can start to really play everyone else.

Game on

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posted Nov 13, 2006

I agree totally that he must go - surely though it's up to the RFU to sack him,you can't expect him to jump if he gets a severance package as part of his 200k p/a package ? It's not football and it won't be like Ericsson's, but he won't just say "oh **** it I'll go then" (even if he did say at the begining that he would if he wasn't up to it).

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posted Nov 14, 2006

I agree entirely. What the hell is Robinson and the RFU playing at? He should do the honourable thing and go now!! He was a great player, but as National Coach my 10 year old daughter could do better. Mmmmm might put her name forward. All the excuses keep coming out ~ Top players injured, team didn't follow game plan etc etc. I, like I suspect numerous England Supporters, am fed up with the feeble excuses and want to see positive changes. WC 2007 ~ Not a hope in hell in current form sorry to say. Time to look forward and build for 2011. Why don't they use the Autumn Internationals with a new coach and blood (Not literally) some of the vast talent we have in the game? I'm sure we will get there eventually but not while AR is in charge

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posted Nov 14, 2006

Joining the Rupert and Airchair debate.

Gents you are making the same point. Last WC the All Blacks were knocked because while their imported South Sea Island back division (how good would they be if that was disallowed?) looked the business the front five was poor; in other words they didn't have the complete team. Add a front five and - voila- "Total Rugby".

As we all know rugby is a true team game, requiring execution at all levels and from all positions. Rarely does one player turn a game with a show of brilliance when everyone else is not up for it and playing in the same direction. Even in football look what a little team work and coaching can do to take a bunch of no names and make them champions; exhibit a) Greece in Euro 2004.

The difference between this England team and the beasts of 2003 is that they had a plan, they had confidence in it and they executed it over the whole game. Can you imagine MJ at Murrayfield last year as we pummeled the Scots line. He'd have assessed the situation and got Wilko (no even Hodgson!) to slot the three. Scots wing forward would've got in his face, yelled something about Bannockburn, and MJ would've given him "That Stare". "Don't worry mush we'll back down here directly and you can have another go!". Rinse and repeat all game long with 3 points here and another three there for 60 minutes and - as so often happened in the SCW days - during the last 20 minutes fitness, power and simple execution would have turned a close game into a rout. Another form of "Total Rugby".

This team seems to have neither a plan, the discipline to the same execute over 80 minutes and the confidence in themselves. I submit, Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury that this is mostly the coach's fault.

The dude doesn't have a clue how to make things better and if the RFU actualy believes he does they are truly certifiable. We are beyond the point of being polite and worrying about people's feelings. Fire his turnip head, pay him off and let's start the long road back. Waiting until after the SA games makes the stink of defeat hang around longer while delaying the start on improving things.

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posted Nov 15, 2006

Sack AJ and sign up Richard Hill on a short term contract 6N + WC look what he has done at Bristol without " star players " so he must be good at motivation and team organisation
Also lay of CH there is no alternative at the moment

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