England lost last weekend’s must-win match against Australia 33-13, following the 28-25 defeat to Wales.
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Stuart Lancaster insists England’s head coach needs “good luck, a tin hat and flak jacket” as he reflects on his near four-year Twickenham stewardship. “We still have another week to go but, as I said during the week, the responsibility and accountability rests with me”.
Disgruntled Red Rose fans will throw their support behind Wales after 24 per cent said they would cheer on Warren Gatland’s men now the hosts have gone, Ireland coming second with 14 per cent.
“I’ve not won anything with Bath Rugby yet”.
“I didn’t know that to be honest, that’s just the nature of the situation we are in. To me, that’s more important than the rugby”.
Yet the Cumbrian farmer’s son has faced up to the media every day bar one and will again on Friday morning before personally taking charge of a community coaching event in Manchester.
“This is an opportunity for us to finish the tournament with a strong performance and a chance for young players such as Jack Nowell and Henry Slade to play in a World Cup”, Lancaster said.
Stuart Lancaster has urged England to end their World Cup disappointment in positive fashion by unleashing their frustrations on Uruguay.
Although both teams are already through to the last-eight, the group winners would then face Scotland or Japan, while the runners-up tackle twice world champions South Africa.
“However, at this moment in time, Northampton Saints is my priority and we have a massive job ahead this season”.
It is in the last quarter of games that we discover the most about a team’s character and fortitude, specifically in their ability to shut the door on the opposition.
Whether it is fair to point the finger of blame at coach Stuart Lancaster is a matter of debate as he was limited by his predecessors’ selections.
Elsewhere, prop Paul James returns from injury and replaces Gethin Jenkins, Samson Lee wears the number three shirt, Luke Charteris features at lock and skipper Sam Warburton moves to blindside flanker, with openside Justin Tipuric handed a start.
“I’m not saying it wasn’t there with England, but this is a great place to work”.
He said: “The only advice I will give him is stop apologising to people, be proud of what you have done and get on with it”. He has trained well there and looks sharp. “Hopefully Leeds will lift the trophy and get what they deserve”.
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“What he did with Leinster, putting structure and discipline in, and he was incredibly successful”. “To bring a few perspective onto everything and motivate them to go and play well on Saturday”. That is what he is very good at doing. “He has done a fantastic job with them, and he’s a world-class coach”.
