Lancaster hopes New Zealand have unbeaten year

Lancaster also stressed he hoped New Zealand, minus the injured Dan Carter and Tony Woodcock, beat Ireland this weekend and become the first Test team in the professional era to go through a calendar year unbeaten. "I went into their changing-room to say well done and congratulate them on their victory because they deserve that respect. I do hope they get that unbeaten record. I think they probably deserve it."

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/17/england-rugby-union-all-blacks

I'll be cheering on Ireland. I can understand Lancaster wanting to show respect but he's effectively said he wants Ireland to lose, which I'm not sure is the right message to send.

Cheers Stuart (ya big bald bollox)

  

I think it's the right message. Save those yummy ranking points for us not Ireland! That's what he's saying.

Interesting if he said it and meant it. With his visit to NZ, Ellis and this he looks a little besotted with NZ rugby.

Does this mean the English will now be unpopular in Ireland?!!

 



To quote another poster - I'll be supporting the team who play the best rugby on the day.

Well, with Irish family I'll be shouting for them. Were I neutral I'd support them as underdogs, especially since after the other night they really need all the help they can get. I expect a reaction but I doubt it'll be enough. Very skilled unit the ABs.

I suspect Lancaster is doing his best to give the NZ Press and public as little reason as possible to whip up the emotions before our summer tour... I don't think it'll work, mind you, but good effort. And good manners. Glad to see it.

Rugby Fan wrote:

Lancaster also stressed he hoped New Zealand, minus the injured Dan Carter and Tony Woodcock, beat Ireland this weekend and become the first Test team in the professional era to go through a calendar year unbeaten. "I went into their changing-room to say well done and congratulate them on their victory because they deserve that respect. I do hope they get that unbeaten record. I think they probably deserve it."

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/17/england-rugby-union-all-blacks

I'll be cheering on Ireland. I can understand Lancaster wanting to show respect but he's effectively said he wants Ireland to lose, which I'm not sure is the right message to send.

If he'd said he wanted Ireland to win then he would have been accused of sour grapes and wanting NZ to fall short of the record.

Why should he 'support' or 'back' another home nation over anyone else? It's not like it's Lions time and 'We All Stand Together' (Frog Chorus waiting for tired bodies in the following 6Ns)

True Cyril...and you dont seem to have that ANZAC type thing over there...