Lancaster gone

First topic message reminder :

BBC reports SL resigns

A likeable man, and one who might have gotten another chance if he hadn't suddenly turned defensive against Wales (or if his captain hadn't made a poor call under pressure at the end of the game).

Tuilagi and Hartley were rightly excluded, and it wasn't that which cost us (Tuilagi wouldn't have been fit anyway).

I can't see an inspiring candidate. Could gives Jones a go I guess, or perhaps Deans. I definitely want a new forwards coach, and probably the rest will be changed too.

In terms of squad it will be virtually unchanged for the 6 Nations with just a new combination at 6 and 7, and a new 12 I'd have thought. That's is probably SL's finest achievement - for all his tactical selection errors, his selection strategy has successfully identified the best players to take England forward.

Lock may change, a new coach may not go with the two highly mobile locks that we usually use.

Could easily have changes at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7.

In the backs though only 12 will probably change (first choice players anyway). Goode, Farrell, Wigglesworth, Burrell, Barritt could all lose out too but then none of them were starters.

Well who ever the next Coach is going too be, They will have to appoint him soon. Or we could end up with Rob Andrew taking temporary charge. ....That could be a nightmare.

yappysnap wrote:Lock may change, a new coach may not go with the two highly mobile locks that we usually use.

Could easily have changes at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7.

In the backs though only 12 will probably change (first choice players anyway). Goode, Farrell, Wigglesworth, Burrell, Barritt could all lose out too but then none of them were starters.

I agree Yappy and add 3 in there aswell...Cole wasn't exactly pulling up trees.

However with a slight tweak of tactics a bit more muscle alongside Launchbury and a more balanced 6 and 7 and the front rowers should have better support.

1 Marler
2 Hartley / George
3 Cole

Is a very strong front row...but the locks are a massive part of the scrum and with Lawes and Parling supporting...... your front row is always going to struggle.

Launchbury and Lawes have been part of successful scrums before. I think a new scrum coach will make more difference than changing a lock.

Not just scrums though is it? There's the tackling close into rucks, carrying static ball, mauling and counter mauling. Lots of things where a new coach may decide a fatty would be good

What can you say?an honourable man Lancaster probably would have resigned after England exit but waited
for the review.
Now an enquiry should be made over all those who undermined him,those like SCW,and Eddie Jones,Ian Ritchie
saying he was`n t up to the job.[In Print] while the review was going on.
The constant leaks by players,about why was I dropped./not picked/why Burgess/Shares scam/etc.
Coaches like Mallinder saying don`t blame the club setup its not our fault,now its money no object
as if that will cure anything.
England under Rowell,Cooke,Woodward had continuity of players,and a relevant decline in the SH giants
form.Then suddenly great teams vanished without replacements and changes world wide occurred.
Overseas players 2007 SA players resident in Japan/Europe were eligible for test selection,UK
players.out of favour moved abroad for cash.NZ/Aus players retired early moved to Europe/japan.
Since 2004 England have had 4 coaches,2 of which had better win/loss ratios than SCW till they were
sacked,
Lancaster lost only 4 matches in 4 years to NH sides one a year [no worse than SCW over period 200-3]
beat Nz,Aus,drew SA,ran NZ close on two other occasions.Second in 6NS for 4 years ,3 of those on
points difference.
Developed both Saxons and academy and has a lot of players of good quality available to his successors.
Why did he change his style to Safety First for RWC ask that of ALL the NH sides its the RWC NORM
FEAR of losing,instead of trying to win.
ALL the Coaches should go with him when his replacement is found,they should bring in there own
team.Little good it will do them unless the whole Club/country bit is settled.premier salary Cap sorted
Overseas based player in set up etc.
Finally Ian Ritchie quote" IF,England fail to win RWC 2015 I am solely to BLAME" unquote should now
do the decent thing and resign.
SL at least can look forward to retirement on his £500 k pay out!!

yappysnap wrote:Not just scrums though is it? There's the tackling close into rucks, carrying static ball, mauling and counter mauling. Lots of things where a new coach may decide a fatty would be good

Is Lawes actually light-weight then? What are his stats?

17 and a half stone.He's excellent in mauls though. Not everything in rugby is about size. Him and Launchbury are our best locks. Not sure his form has been great recently though.

In rucks and mauls locks should bend over and push through. Too many like standing up and taking a free ride. Work rate needs to be a lot better. Attwood is a master at standing up whenever he can.

Also we need a grizzly ex forward with nous to coach the scrum. Rowntree was grizzly but thick.

DaveM wrote:Launchbury and Lawes have been part of successful scrums before. I think a new scrum coach will make more difference than changing a lock.

Yes they have, but launchbury is far more influential in the scrum. He gives more ballast to the front row.

Lawes and Parling simply don't give enough. The question I have to ask is who in the coaching team agreed to go with a pack of that lock combo with an additional lightweight 6?

The two props didn't really have a chance!