Like that epic series, Game of Thrones, the power struggle in English Rugby continues, as various fingers are pointed in various directions as to why they failed to qualify for the QF. A lot of people want to blame it on poor Sam Burgess, with Gareth Chilcott highlighting that his move to Union has affected the careers of over a dozen players from those selected in England squad, not selected in squad and even in Bath back row. Hindsight, being wonderful. it is clear that Sam now needs more time at club level learning to play at centre or blindside flanker, but as suggested in OATH a few weeks ago, even though the RFU distanced themselves from the final negotiations of his move to Bath, it was obvious that they were instrumental in starting the process, so have to share some of the responsibility for its failure. In essence, I think Lancaster was told to pick him, which isn't a great position to be in for a national coach.
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| England Rugby review? You know nothing John Snow |
It appears that some key areas of concern like not selecting overseas players are off the table as part of the review, as is the effectiveness of Ian Ritchie and his administrators at RFU, especially in their decision to both, appoint Stuart Lancaster in the first place, and to extend his contract by six years recently, despite the fact that England have not won anything, even though they are the Man City of the global game.
As discussed before, the English system of transferring fantastic youth players into adult internationals needs improving, and the emphasis needs to change from size and physicality to skills. In summary they need to practise less lineouts and scrums and play more touch rugby.
Rumours that Sepp Blatter may help the RFU oversee the review to ensure fair play are unconfirmed.
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