posted Dec 1, 2006

Hookie monster steals the name of the great one. Scandalous!

England are in a mess. I don't think the time is right for some of Ashtons thinking. When he doesn't have the players he can't seem to improvise. England need to go back to basics. Build a solid forward platform a la 10 man rugby. Then you can start to think about a more expansive game.

I don't think we'll see and expansive game from England for about 3 or 4 years. It will take that long to biuld the structures.

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posted Dec 1, 2006

Baron says he wants to stay and help turn things around - isn't this exactly the opportunity he denied AR? How can Baron have sacked all the coaches but not AR then when AR is sacked Baron says its not his fault? His hypocrisy stinks to high heaven.

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posted Dec 1, 2006

Martin Johnson has supposedly ruled himself out of the running for Robbos' role. He is supposedly relishing his promotional and sponsorship work in Dubai.

Can someone who has his mobile number please tell him from me his country needs him?

England don't need any more great coaches - or a change in players - or a change in strategy - or even some great magic wand.

The England players need inspiration and confidence in their teams ability. As individuals they are all exceptional - see how they all play in a Club setting.

RFU Management - With guidance and support from MJ, the first Captain ever to give us the accolade World Cup Champions, this team could rebound dramatically. Pay Martin Johnson anything he wants to come and inspire the boys, to tell them that they can climb back, to tell them how they can be winners again and to show England the leadership qualities that have been so lacking since Sir Clive abandoned England after 2003.

MJ is the man.

Here endeth the lesson.

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posted Dec 1, 2006

I definitely think that some of the mud should have stuck on the RFU.
If they were going to get rid of Robinson, which I think everyone knew the were, they should have done it when the coaches were changed.
That said, for all Robinson's (justified) moaning about the structure of the game, he can't blame any external factors for the poor man management, bad selection decisions, bad tactical changes during games, or general lack of direction that characterised his time in charge.
Someone like Dean Richards in a managerial role seems the sensible choice for me.
The only hope longer term is for the RFU and clubs to sort out a proper deal for player development and the structure of the season. But who really sees any chance of that?

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posted Dec 1, 2006

In response to the hookie monster, centre is only a fairly small problem for England. The main problem is the speed and aggression (or lack of at the breakdown). No team in the world are able to play with slow ball, not even NZ, so it amazes me that england never seemed to attempted to address this problem, when it is plainly obvious to see.

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posted Dec 1, 2006

To be fair it doesnt hurt any nation that english rugby is in a shambles, if new zealand rugby was in such a state then perhaps it would hurt rugby playing nations.

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posted Dec 1, 2006

Remember how average we were when Woodward took over. Big forwards, mediocre backs and never really the complete article. But good management plus talent and a 6 year vision delivered a World cup.

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posted Dec 1, 2006

fair enough that robinson wasnt the coach england need but the real reason behind englands dismal results is the structure of the club season. ther are simply too many games. a regional system should be introduced above the club game just like as in new zealand. now the english wont lyk to do this because the new zealanders thought of it forst but it is simply the best way to go, they still hav ther clubs in the air new zealand cup. the celtic nations dont hav enough players to do this but we do have central contracts which is another way of improving the performance of players by making sure they dont play too many games in a season. someone has to be brave and do something if england are to regain their status as a top tier nation. the system they use is old fashioned and england need to catch up or face being left behind

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posted Dec 6, 2006

John Mitchell is our man. The Super 14 doesn't start until February and I'm sure the RFY could prize him back to England with the money they have.

Mitchell was a good assistant coach before going to NZ and got sacked because of a lucky Australia interception try that cost the All Blacks the World Cup semi final in 2003.

No doubt about it - Mitchell's our man.

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posted Dec 16, 2006

How much longer do we have to wait?
The longer we wait the lower bocomes the moral of the English team.

Baron promised me two years ago that he would sort out the, 'Seamless principle'.
let the professionals run the professional game and the Amateurs run the Amateur game.
Both principles can be run under the umbrella of the R.F.U. providing we understand that both principles have different needs.

Wake-up Barron! I warned you of impending disaster if you didn't address the problem. Now tell your management team to get their collective fingers out and get their act together.
It aint rocket science. If you still have a problem then give me a shout and I'll sort it out for you....Free of charge.

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