Sam Burgess’ coach at club level says the cross-code global is committed to rugby union and plans to represent England as a back-row forward at the next World Cup in 2019.
Advertisement
“They say “we are all equally disappointed, however, we can all see what you’re doing and where the team are going, and the foundations are strong”.
“I think this week we have had to answer a few tough questions”, said Robshaw.
There was better news for Lancaster in the interview too, with Ford ruling himself out of contention for the England job, which may become available should the RFU decide heads must roll after a disastrous campaign.
“I’ve watched George and Owen since they were 18 and looked at them as an option and combination”.
And Gatland paid tribute to his coaching opposite number on Saturday, Michael Cheika, who has moulded Australia into serious World Cup challengers.
“It’s easier to go from six to 12 than the other way round”, Ford said.
The former Australia coach, who engineered Japan’s stunning upset of South Africa last month, has been touted in the media as a candidate to replace Lancaster after England failed to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. The man in charge should have been there and done it, although Lancaster did come in and steady the ship – which was needed.
The Rugby Football Union has denied making contact with Nick Mallett over the role of England head coach. “It wasn’t flawless. There were still a lot of areas that I think we can improve on and it is just another step along the way in the pool”.
The 26-year-old Yorkshireman has been dropped from the match-day 23 for Saturday’s final match against Uruguay in Manchester and there is a ground swell of opinion that he has made his last Red Rose appearance. “We closed that game down, and were brilliant in the last 15 minutes against England, coming from behind and showing maturity to close that game down”.
“He is a massive player for Wales at this moment in time and a real go-to man. He has taken the team by the scruff of the neck and he makes good decisions”. “We all understand the pressures of professional sport and what you have to deal with”. I guess that’s the nature of the situation we are in.
Advertisement
Among the issues expected to be examined are: the elevation of rugby league convert Sam Burgess into the squad at the expense of Luther Burrell; the balance of power between Lancaster and his assistant coaches; and the clampdown on players’ commercial opportunities versus national team sponsorship obligations.
