This week, Stuart Lancaster was appointed full-time successor to Martin Johnson as head coach of the England Rugby Union squad. After a string of dazzling performances under his tenure during the recent Six Nations Championships, the news was expected and considered idealistic in order for the team to further develop and re-establish themselves as one of the major power-houses on the world scene. There has been no negative press on the appointment which can signal relief for the RFU, whilst former associates of the game, pundits, as well as current players have all come out and supported the work that Lancaster has produced since he was placed in caretaker charge for the past three months.
Having achieved four wins out of the five matches, including a monumental effort in Paris, the Six Nations were certainly good for England this year. In fact, the defeat they suffered to the Welsh was cruel and unjustified, with many post-match conceding that the young English side deserved to take the points. Subsequently, you can look back on it and argue that the team were robbed of a Grand Slam under their interim coach. It is not just the results that they have achieved that has been a welcomed sight to all associated with the team though, but the manner in which they have played and entertained the supporters as well. With the youthful element that appears to have been a key aspect of the Lancaster period so far, the players seem to have a ‘no fear’ approach that has paid dividends. A few pundits have suggested that the individual players involved are not excellent players in their own right. However, when placed in the well-oiled machine Lancaster has created, they help create this impressive 15-man unit that is flourishing. Whilst the performances of certain individuals suggest that there could be some world-class players who now need to fulfil their potential and establish themselves.
However, this side that Lancaster has brought together are still young and have the potential for further development and improvement. It is therefore imperative that Lancaster is given the time to make the team world-beaters and on par with the South Africa’s and New Zealand’s who currently dominate the rugby world. His contract suggests this will be the case. With the World Cup in 2015 on English soil, the necessity to provide the Lancaster the opportunity to mould his side into a manner that could allow them to reclaim the Webb Ellis trophy is so important. Naturally, there are going to be downs, along with the ups, which have only been experienced so far. Now is the true test of Lancaster’s credentials and ability to turn this English side back into one that is feared throughout the southern hemisphere. With the big hitters all up next for the English side, the down could be very imminent and very sharp. Alternatively, if the team continue to defy plaudits and upset the apple-cart, then perhaps Lancaster’s honeymoon period may be extended just a while longer.
Lancaster seemed to enforce and implement a philosophy that appeared to be lacking under the last few stewardships of the head coach role. The players were all working for one another, whilst they approached the matches with respect, values and leadership. This meant the exclusion of some of those who have been more disruptive members of the camp, who have not necessarily represented themselves as England rugby players in the most appropriate and expected manner. The off-field antics could certainly have been associated with the dismal performances that also tarred the England side out in New Zealand in the most recent World Cup. Those performances, both on and off the field, brought shame upon the nation and against a side that was previously respected for their professionalism when they approached the key moments. It was the sort of stories that had been previously associated with the footballers or cricketers of the country, and showed that there was certainly a lack of leadership, respect, and professionalism amongst the party who travelled.
Furthermore, there appeared to be a bit of a chaos at the RFU when trying to identify a suitable replacement. Candidates ruled themselves out for a variety of reasons which made you believe there were more issues behind the scenes than met the eye. You could therefore argue that the governing body have actually landed themselves an ideal man in the flukiest of circumstances. Lancaster has been in and around the set-up of the RFU for some time now so you would hope that relationships have already been formed. It is also fortunate that he is an intelligent and articulate enough coach to demonstrate his worth in the role. If he had failed during the Six Nations then the appointment of a new coach may have been more difficult that envisaged. It is for that reason that I think the RFU need to have a look at themselves as an organisation and adopt an approach and philosophy not dissimilar to how Lancaster has adjusted the senior side.
What I think is undoubted though, is that everyone wanted Lancaster the opportunity to continue the work that he has already begun. He is professional, intelligent and committed to the cause. He knows what he wants his side to achieve, and will enforce a work ethic that ensures they reach their potential. In the past, the players seem to have not always held the respect that they should do towards their leader, but the vision he has portrayed to his side has led to a united approach. Hopefully, this is now the start of a resurgence within English rugby – Grand Slams and World Cup success would certainly demonstrate that Lancaster’s approach has worked.
*As an additional footnote, I would just like to wish Stiliyan Petrov, the club captain of the football team I support, Aston Villa, all the very best in his recovery against leukaemia. The scenes yesterday at Villa Park were heartfelt and showed how well-respected he is within the club. Good luck Stan.
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