When the suits of the RFU summoned Martin Johnson - the alpha male of English rugby - to restore national pride in the spring of 2008, two questions stood out. Firstly, could captain marvel turn coaching mastermind? And secondly, what would an England team under Johnson look like?
Would he sculpt the side in his own image - a snarling bruiser that revels in a forward battle - or would he unleash a new generation of young attacking talents?
The answer to the second question informs much about the first. England’s lack of success owes much to their lack of identity and direction.
They have neither bullied teams into submission with their mighty pack – dominating at set-piece and collision time – nor have they run their opponents ragged with high-tempo gain-line rugby. The ideal of course is a balance of both, but England have displayed neither.
The suspicion remains that while they do not have the players for one, and do not have the coaches for the other.
The management’s preference is clear. Psychologists say that when under intense pressure people revert to type and reveal their true self. And after the early days – literally lasting days – flirting with a more ambition gameplan, England have swiftly retreated into pragmatism.
But they no longer have the ogres of Johnson’s era (as New Zealand famously moaned) to throttle teams and then rip through their heart. The captain is a case in point. Steve Borthwick tries with all his might to lead the charge by carrying slow ball, but he is too lightweight to make the hard yards in the international arena.
In the absence of Andrew Sheridan and Matt Stevens, and the aging of Phil Vickery, the front row is hardly formidable. And not even Jonny Wilkinson is exempt. England have been reliant on their kicking game and yet Wilkinson is not the longest kicker from hand, and on the his autumn form not the most accurate either. Johnson can’t even find a satisfactory battering ram in the centres to fulfil their 12-man game plan.
The coaches could argue they have been warded off a more ambitious approach by confusion at the breakdown, which many say inhibits high-tempo rugby. This, though, is short sighted. There are other options beyond the kicking game.
The basics of running into space, off-loading, aggressive rucking and quick release should be England’s attacking framework. This would utilise the strengths of England’s best players: the itching scrum-half (Danny Care), the gain-line operators (Danny Cipriani, Shane Geraghty, Ricki Flutey and Toby Flood), the agile off-loaders (Simon Shaw, Lee Mears), the speedsters (Ugo Monye and Delon Armitage) and the super fit support runners (Lewis Moody and Tom Croft).
England’s inability to harness these players is the most damning aspect of Johnson’s tenure thus far.
Much of it comes down to trust. Johnson, an inexperienced coach, has surrounded himself with those he trusts and ostracised those he doesn’t. More than that, the way England have been playing suggests a climate of fear hangs low over Twickenham HQ and weighs heavy on its celebrated subjects.
Few would have accused Johnson the player of lacking courage, direction or identity but these attributes have been blatantly absent during his time as coach. And he must rediscover those qualities during the coming Six Nations campaign if England are to find success under his leadership once again.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Six Nations Preview: England
ENGLAND
Last season: 3rd
Prediction: 3rd
Strengths:
England’s lineout was one of the few positives from the autumn series. Despite being much maligned for his bambi-like impressions in midfield, Borthwick is a strong lineout organiser and operator. With Tom Croft injured and Johnson refusing to promote Nick Kennedy, the England captain will be central to England’s supply line.
Jonny Wilkinson is once again certain to start at number. His accuracy in front of goal will be a massive advantage for Martin Johnson’s men. If England stick to their game plan from the autumn and tries remain scarce, his points from the boot will be vital. In such circumstances it could be argued that his selection ahead of his rivals Danny Cipriani and Shane Geraghty is legitimate if unexciting.
The return of Riki Flutey from injury cannot be underestimated. The Brive inside centre was England’s best player last season despite only playing half a season. His combination of physical aggression, hot-stepping, handling skills and vision makes him a true inside centre – capable of cutting the lines as well as unleashing those outside.
Weaknesses:
Wales coach Warren Gatland has already prodded the beast by suggesting his side would target England’s tight-five at Twickenham. With Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery out injured England’s front row will be under huge pressure against a potentially all-British Lion front row.
During the autumn internationals England endured heavy criticism for their turgid style and inability to attack with any pace or intensity - which resulted in just one try in three matches. Creativity and incision in the backs remain problems. The forwards seldom served up quick ball and when they did the backs refused to exploit the chances in front of them. Martin Johnson confessed that the coaches had had too much influence on how England implemented their game plan. This has led to rumours of decaying confidence and a climate of fear pervading the squad. The coaches must learn to trust the players.
The distance and accuracy of England’s kicking has been poor recently but the return of Delon Armitage at full back should bolster their punting game.
Coach’s perspective: Martin Johnson
“This is the best squad we have had in my time being in charge and it will only get stronger,” Johnson said. “We have a good leadership group and it’s the strength of any side that you have three, four or five guys who could be captain. It will be just as tight this year. Anyone who predicts who will win the title is a brave guy.”
Key player: Jonny Wilkinson
Much hype surrounded the Toulon fly half’s return to the international fray last autumn, but after a stuttering series Wilkinson has it all to prove once again. The 2003 World Cup winner was criticised for failing to get the backline firing by dropping too deep when England were in possession and refusing to diverge from the game plan when the opportunities to attack arose. The quality of Wilkinson’s kicking and his mind-set in attack will dictate how England perform in the Six Nations.
One to watch: Mathew Tait
After years of utility back status, Tait will be considered at outside centre this season. If he can displace Dan Hipkiss in the starting XV and Flutey and Wilkinson can attack on the gain line, Tait’s searing pace will add an extra dimension to the attack. His performances for Sale this season have been steady more than spectacular
Stadium: Twickenham, London
A mighty arena and grand setting, but Twickenham has been stripped of its ‘fortress’ pre-fix in recent seasons. The ominous booing of despairng fans has come to replace the booming tones of ‘Swing Low Sweet Charriot’.
Fixtures:
Sat 6 Feb v Wales, Twickenham Stadium, London
Sun 14 Feb v Italy, Stadio Flaminio, Rome
Sat 27 Feb v Ireland, Twickenham Stadium, London
Sat 13 Mar v Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sat 20 Mar v France, Stade de France, Paris
Last season: 3rd
Prediction: 3rd
Strengths:
England’s lineout was one of the few positives from the autumn series. Despite being much maligned for his bambi-like impressions in midfield, Borthwick is a strong lineout organiser and operator. With Tom Croft injured and Johnson refusing to promote Nick Kennedy, the England captain will be central to England’s supply line.
Jonny Wilkinson is once again certain to start at number. His accuracy in front of goal will be a massive advantage for Martin Johnson’s men. If England stick to their game plan from the autumn and tries remain scarce, his points from the boot will be vital. In such circumstances it could be argued that his selection ahead of his rivals Danny Cipriani and Shane Geraghty is legitimate if unexciting.
The return of Riki Flutey from injury cannot be underestimated. The Brive inside centre was England’s best player last season despite only playing half a season. His combination of physical aggression, hot-stepping, handling skills and vision makes him a true inside centre – capable of cutting the lines as well as unleashing those outside.
Weaknesses:
Wales coach Warren Gatland has already prodded the beast by suggesting his side would target England’s tight-five at Twickenham. With Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery out injured England’s front row will be under huge pressure against a potentially all-British Lion front row.
During the autumn internationals England endured heavy criticism for their turgid style and inability to attack with any pace or intensity - which resulted in just one try in three matches. Creativity and incision in the backs remain problems. The forwards seldom served up quick ball and when they did the backs refused to exploit the chances in front of them. Martin Johnson confessed that the coaches had had too much influence on how England implemented their game plan. This has led to rumours of decaying confidence and a climate of fear pervading the squad. The coaches must learn to trust the players.
The distance and accuracy of England’s kicking has been poor recently but the return of Delon Armitage at full back should bolster their punting game.
Coach’s perspective: Martin Johnson
“This is the best squad we have had in my time being in charge and it will only get stronger,” Johnson said. “We have a good leadership group and it’s the strength of any side that you have three, four or five guys who could be captain. It will be just as tight this year. Anyone who predicts who will win the title is a brave guy.”
Key player: Jonny Wilkinson
Much hype surrounded the Toulon fly half’s return to the international fray last autumn, but after a stuttering series Wilkinson has it all to prove once again. The 2003 World Cup winner was criticised for failing to get the backline firing by dropping too deep when England were in possession and refusing to diverge from the game plan when the opportunities to attack arose. The quality of Wilkinson’s kicking and his mind-set in attack will dictate how England perform in the Six Nations.
One to watch: Mathew Tait
After years of utility back status, Tait will be considered at outside centre this season. If he can displace Dan Hipkiss in the starting XV and Flutey and Wilkinson can attack on the gain line, Tait’s searing pace will add an extra dimension to the attack. His performances for Sale this season have been steady more than spectacular
Stadium: Twickenham, London
A mighty arena and grand setting, but Twickenham has been stripped of its ‘fortress’ pre-fix in recent seasons. The ominous booing of despairng fans has come to replace the booming tones of ‘Swing Low Sweet Charriot’.
Fixtures:
Sat 6 Feb v Wales, Twickenham Stadium, London
Sun 14 Feb v Italy, Stadio Flaminio, Rome
Sat 27 Feb v Ireland, Twickenham Stadium, London
Sat 13 Mar v Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sat 20 Mar v France, Stade de France, Paris
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Six Nations Preview: France
FRANCE
Last season: 3rd
Prediction: 1st
Strengths:
The French will go into this year’s Six Nations with momentum generated by a flourishing club game. Four French sides have reached the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, with all of them looking capable of reaching the final. It should ensure their players join up for national duty high on confidence and optimism.
Their backline exudes power with Mathieu Bastareaud reinstated to the midfield alongside the influential Yannick Jauzion while Vincent Clerc should help ensure their finishing is clinical.
France also have enviable options in the back-row with supreme lineout forward and powerhouse Imanol Harinordoquy back from injury to fight Idrissa Ouedraogo, Julien Bonnaire and Alexandre Lapandry for the blindside flanker role. They possess the forwards to steal the hard yards around the ruck as well as the devastating surges and supporting runs. Their set-piece should be reliable as well as destructive.
They will also carry vast experience into the Championship.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistency continues to blight France’s international side. Their high point of 2009 came in Dunedin when they claimed a first win in 15 years over New Zealand on home turf - just their fourth overall. But it was top and tailed with anti-climactic Six Nations campaign and an average autumn series that ended in a humbling loss to the vengeful All Blacks.
Consistent outcomes require consistent inputs such as selection, tactics and mind set. True to reputation there are changes to Marc Lievremont’s squad for the Championships. And Lievremont’s selection could infer much about their potential tactics. The free spirits of Cedric Heymans, Maxime Medard and Frederic Michalak are out and the physicality of Bastareaud, Aurelien Rougerie and Julien Malzieu return. Could the French be set for a swing towards former coach Bernard Laporte’s pragmatism after Lievremont’s liberating beginnings? May be not entirely.
Most of all France’s attitude - and discipline - will be under the microscope. They celebrated victory over Wales in Paris last season as if it were the Championship decider, and then failed to turn up to Twickenham for the final match against England.
With two of their three opening games away from Paris, their bid could hinge on their trip to Cardiff in the third game.
Coach’s perspective:
“Cliches aside, we really have to start the tournament well in Scotland,” Lievremont told AFP. “At the start of every Six Nations the deck of cards is reshuffled and it creates a dynamic. Added to the duty of having to win the tournament, I really want our team — and it has the means to do so — to play an interesting, attacking type of rugby.”
Key player: Thierry Dusautoir
The Toulouse flanker is one of the finest back-rowers in Europe rugby with a work rate to eclipse any and incredible strength in the tackle. But his leadership could be the most tellingly as he attempts to galvanise a team of talented individuals. He, along with fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc, will be crucial.
One to watch: Mathieu Bastareaud
The beast of a centre is back. The 21-year-old sensation has not featured for France since fabricating an assault story in New Zealand in the summer. He will bring ball-wrecking momentum to the French midfield.
Stadium: Stade de France
The atmosphere may not be as scolding for visiting teams as the Parc des Princes once was, but its futuristic design and capacity of almost 80,000 makes for a dramatic setting.
Fixtures:
Sun 7 v Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sat 13 v Ireland, Stade de France, Paris
Fri 26 v Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Sun 14 v Italy, Stade de France, Paris
Sat 20 v England, Stade de France, Paris
Last season: 3rd
Prediction: 1st
Strengths:
The French will go into this year’s Six Nations with momentum generated by a flourishing club game. Four French sides have reached the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, with all of them looking capable of reaching the final. It should ensure their players join up for national duty high on confidence and optimism.
Their backline exudes power with Mathieu Bastareaud reinstated to the midfield alongside the influential Yannick Jauzion while Vincent Clerc should help ensure their finishing is clinical.
France also have enviable options in the back-row with supreme lineout forward and powerhouse Imanol Harinordoquy back from injury to fight Idrissa Ouedraogo, Julien Bonnaire and Alexandre Lapandry for the blindside flanker role. They possess the forwards to steal the hard yards around the ruck as well as the devastating surges and supporting runs. Their set-piece should be reliable as well as destructive.
They will also carry vast experience into the Championship.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistency continues to blight France’s international side. Their high point of 2009 came in Dunedin when they claimed a first win in 15 years over New Zealand on home turf - just their fourth overall. But it was top and tailed with anti-climactic Six Nations campaign and an average autumn series that ended in a humbling loss to the vengeful All Blacks.
Consistent outcomes require consistent inputs such as selection, tactics and mind set. True to reputation there are changes to Marc Lievremont’s squad for the Championships. And Lievremont’s selection could infer much about their potential tactics. The free spirits of Cedric Heymans, Maxime Medard and Frederic Michalak are out and the physicality of Bastareaud, Aurelien Rougerie and Julien Malzieu return. Could the French be set for a swing towards former coach Bernard Laporte’s pragmatism after Lievremont’s liberating beginnings? May be not entirely.
Most of all France’s attitude - and discipline - will be under the microscope. They celebrated victory over Wales in Paris last season as if it were the Championship decider, and then failed to turn up to Twickenham for the final match against England.
With two of their three opening games away from Paris, their bid could hinge on their trip to Cardiff in the third game.
Coach’s perspective:
“Cliches aside, we really have to start the tournament well in Scotland,” Lievremont told AFP. “At the start of every Six Nations the deck of cards is reshuffled and it creates a dynamic. Added to the duty of having to win the tournament, I really want our team — and it has the means to do so — to play an interesting, attacking type of rugby.”
Key player: Thierry Dusautoir
The Toulouse flanker is one of the finest back-rowers in Europe rugby with a work rate to eclipse any and incredible strength in the tackle. But his leadership could be the most tellingly as he attempts to galvanise a team of talented individuals. He, along with fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc, will be crucial.
One to watch: Mathieu Bastareaud
The beast of a centre is back. The 21-year-old sensation has not featured for France since fabricating an assault story in New Zealand in the summer. He will bring ball-wrecking momentum to the French midfield.
Stadium: Stade de France
The atmosphere may not be as scolding for visiting teams as the Parc des Princes once was, but its futuristic design and capacity of almost 80,000 makes for a dramatic setting.
Fixtures:
Sun 7 v Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sat 13 v Ireland, Stade de France, Paris
Fri 26 v Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Sun 14 v Italy, Stade de France, Paris
Sat 20 v England, Stade de France, Paris
Monday, 1 February 2010
Six Nations Preview: Scotland
SCOTLAND
Last season: 5th
This season: 5th
Strengths:
Scotland’s defensive game has improved hugely over the past six months. During the autumn internationals they conceded two tries in three games – famously beating Australia with a remarkable rearguard action (and a little help from the wayward boot of Matt Giteau). Defence coach Graham Steadman has encouraged a great work ethic and pride within the players.
That work-rate is no more obvious than in their aggressive back-row, which regularly puts in huge tackle counts each game, and they will again be central to Scotland’s prospects. They will be expecting much from John Barclay, who this time last year was being tipped for an important role with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.
Chris Paterson is among the best goal-kickers in the world and, if he can find a way into the starting XV, Scotland will be ready to punish any infringements from the opposition. Phil Godman and Dan Parks, though, are able deputies.
Weaknesses:
Scotland may have conceded just two tries during November, but then they only scored two as well. They have struggled for a long time to find the creativity and strike runners in the backs to make inroads into opposition defences. With Godman standing at number 10, they have been more willing to keep the ball in hand and play an expansive game in recent months.
But this has yet to reap real dividends. In their last outing against Argentina they failed to take their opportunities and lost 9-6. Their lack of clinical finishing remains their biggest problem going into the Six Nations Championship. With an inform Parks back in the squad; Andy Robinson may opt to restore the experienced fly-half in control and leadership.
Coach’s perspective: Andy Robinson
“We have belief amongst the squad. We fear nobody but it is about having a huge start against France and having a Murrayfield crowd that are ready to support the team and get behind them,” he told www.scottishrugby.org. “It is vital that we have a full house. I have no doubt that the squad are ready to perform.”
Key player: Chris Cusiter
The scrum-half will continue to skipper the side in the absence of Mike Blair, who is set to miss the opening two fixtures. Robinson has stated his side need to improve their leadership and much responsibility will fall on Cusiter, particularly in the absence of back-rowers Jason White and Ali Hogg and a potential scrap for the number 10 jersey between Godman and Parks. Cusiter is sharp and strong, but lacks the playing making potential of Blair at the base of the ruck and maul.
One to watch: Alex Grove
The Worcester centre had a strong introduction to international rugby in the autumn. Scotland have auditioned a number of centres to varying success over the past few years with Max Evans, Ben Cairns, Nick De Luca and Simon Webster all holding the shirt at some stage. With the direct Graeme Morrison firmly installed at inside centre, Grove will be looking to establish himself at outside centre ahead of Evans.
Stadium: Murrayfield
All too often the Murrayfield stands are sparsely packed. But with home matches against France on the opening weekend and a penultimate test against England, Murrayfield should be full and fizzing with emotion.
Fixtures:
Sun 7 v France, Murrayfield
Sat 13 v Wales, Millennium Stadium
Sat 27 v Italy, Stadio Flaminio
Sat 13 v England, Murrayfield
Sat 20 v Ireland, Croke Park
Last season: 5th
This season: 5th
Strengths:
Scotland’s defensive game has improved hugely over the past six months. During the autumn internationals they conceded two tries in three games – famously beating Australia with a remarkable rearguard action (and a little help from the wayward boot of Matt Giteau). Defence coach Graham Steadman has encouraged a great work ethic and pride within the players.
That work-rate is no more obvious than in their aggressive back-row, which regularly puts in huge tackle counts each game, and they will again be central to Scotland’s prospects. They will be expecting much from John Barclay, who this time last year was being tipped for an important role with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.
Chris Paterson is among the best goal-kickers in the world and, if he can find a way into the starting XV, Scotland will be ready to punish any infringements from the opposition. Phil Godman and Dan Parks, though, are able deputies.
Weaknesses:
Scotland may have conceded just two tries during November, but then they only scored two as well. They have struggled for a long time to find the creativity and strike runners in the backs to make inroads into opposition defences. With Godman standing at number 10, they have been more willing to keep the ball in hand and play an expansive game in recent months.
But this has yet to reap real dividends. In their last outing against Argentina they failed to take their opportunities and lost 9-6. Their lack of clinical finishing remains their biggest problem going into the Six Nations Championship. With an inform Parks back in the squad; Andy Robinson may opt to restore the experienced fly-half in control and leadership.
Coach’s perspective: Andy Robinson
“We have belief amongst the squad. We fear nobody but it is about having a huge start against France and having a Murrayfield crowd that are ready to support the team and get behind them,” he told www.scottishrugby.org. “It is vital that we have a full house. I have no doubt that the squad are ready to perform.”
Key player: Chris Cusiter
The scrum-half will continue to skipper the side in the absence of Mike Blair, who is set to miss the opening two fixtures. Robinson has stated his side need to improve their leadership and much responsibility will fall on Cusiter, particularly in the absence of back-rowers Jason White and Ali Hogg and a potential scrap for the number 10 jersey between Godman and Parks. Cusiter is sharp and strong, but lacks the playing making potential of Blair at the base of the ruck and maul.
One to watch: Alex Grove
The Worcester centre had a strong introduction to international rugby in the autumn. Scotland have auditioned a number of centres to varying success over the past few years with Max Evans, Ben Cairns, Nick De Luca and Simon Webster all holding the shirt at some stage. With the direct Graeme Morrison firmly installed at inside centre, Grove will be looking to establish himself at outside centre ahead of Evans.
Stadium: Murrayfield
All too often the Murrayfield stands are sparsely packed. But with home matches against France on the opening weekend and a penultimate test against England, Murrayfield should be full and fizzing with emotion.
Fixtures:
Sun 7 v France, Murrayfield
Sat 13 v Wales, Millennium Stadium
Sat 27 v Italy, Stadio Flaminio
Sat 13 v England, Murrayfield
Sat 20 v Ireland, Croke Park
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