posted Nov 2, 2007

Gosforth Old Bean

I am a big fan of Andy Farrell and think that he should be in the team. But do you think he has got the pace for Full-Back?

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posted Nov 2, 2007

M'Lud,

Firstly, I would promote AF's base RL ball handling skills and assurance under the high ball - an increasingly used tactical ploy in the RWC? Being the height & size he is, he'd outjump and swat off most 6N chasing backs....

Secondly, I think that a player of JW's experience could time and execute moves utilizing AF coming through on the crash at full tilt that would a) penetrate well beyond the gain line both absorbing and disrupting the opp defence posture and b) given quick re-cycling, open up gaps for the 'pace' men to further exploit.

Third, on raw pace, maybe not the quickest... albeit I reckon he'd pretty much hold his own in 6N circles. It is the tactical reading, positioning, hard running and being in the right place that appeals. Hope BA considers the option !

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posted Nov 3, 2007

after the attacks on his management, you have to admit that just a year ago, you would have thought that it would have been an embarrassing world cup this year, but instead England have given a decent world cup defence, given that no team has ever retained the title, coming so close from where we were, just a year ago is pretty good going. I say give him some more time.

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posted Nov 4, 2007

why not give him a further year and if he does well at the 6 nations then give him a 3 year deal - if he fails the new coach would have 3 years to the next w cup

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posted Nov 19, 2007

keep Ashton as head coach or what ever title they need to apply to the job,with a team manager to take the pressure off him and do the admin and divert the media away from him, i believe that is the way to go

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posted Nov 20, 2007

Whilst I think that BA should be given full credit for an amazing turnaround, Im just wondering if the team needs continuity from the management leading up to the next world cup?

It would be great to think that the momentum can be kept up, however I doubt that this will be the case and the RFU will be scrambling around to look for a replacement in two years time.

I say wipe the slate clean, give Brian Ashton that well earned OBE and start building our campaign with someone new, starting with next years 6 nations.

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posted Nov 20, 2007

I think Englands brilliant attempt to retain the world cup was in spite of Ashton not because of him. After the opening shambles the senior experienced players seem to have sorted things out and formulated their own strategy. Ashton is not the man to take us forward the 3 top english candidates are Dean Richards, Richard Hill and Dean Ryan, if Andrew can't get one of those then it has to be Jake White.

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posted Nov 20, 2007

Jake white has just come out and said he won't be taking over for Ashton

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posted Nov 20, 2007

As a welshman i am amazed that england are looking to get risd of ashton, he just got a team considered no hopers at the start of the tournament to the final. But listening to the playersit was them that took the planning by the scruff of the neck and played thier way instead of Ashtons seems to have got them to the final. if that is the case why bother with a coach at all let the captain pick the team. Listening to the senior players that is what got them to the final.

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posted Nov 20, 2007

Gosforth Gaffers, huh? Seriously huh? I dont understand how you could suggest Farrel would be a good fullback, a position which is all about positioning and breaking the game line at speed. I think Andy Farrel was very harshly done by at the World Cup with what people said about him, but to suggest he would be a 15 is, without being rude, a crazy crazy crazy suggestion!

To me Farrel is a very good inside centre, who came to Union 2 years too late, otherwise I do not think anything would have stopped him filling Will Greenwoods boots (we've missed him loads!) and becoming world class. I think he is in his 30s now though, and we should be focussing on bringing young players through like Allan who outplayed and outclassed Henson at the weekend (great to see).

Personally, it could be worth the risk of putting Tait back at fullback, and if Jake White suggested it then it may not be a bad idea - dont know what his kicking game is like though? Then you've got, Morgan, Cipriani, Abendandon to name but a few. And then we have Lewsey too!

The 10-13 channel looks very very good at present, never known English rugby to have so many good number 10s, Wilkinson, Hodgson, Cipriani, Barkley, Geraghty, Lamb...And I am liking the looks of the centres too, Ashton is going to be spoilt for choice there.

Wingers are looking good - Sackey has really impressed me and has made me change my opinion that he was just a good club player, then there is Strettle, James Simpson-Daniel, Tait and possible potential of Vaikona from Gloucester!

Just a shame about scrum half - need Ellis back asap, he was looking very good before his injury, and Fodden from Sale looks like a classy act.

With those backs, I think Ashton should be given the chance to play the attacking rugby that he has talked about and now he has a chance to build instead of try and save face for English rugby. As far as I am aware no one has ever criticised his coaching ability, it is his management, and considering he isnt a manager, the simple solution is for the RFU to pull their finger out and appoint a manager - Dean Ryan, Martin Johnson, or someone of that ilk.

England to win the 6Nations in style! Just hope we get some quicker forwards, e.g. Haskell, Forrester, Kennedy, and Rees. Get rid of the old legs and build for 2011!

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