A wise man once said “good things come to those who wait” and for Stuart Lancaster, the wait has seemed long and labored. Into his fourth Six Nations campaign, England’s chances of Championship glory have always ended just out of Lancaster’s reach, especially in 2014 with Ireland clinching a nail-biting victory on the final day at the heartache of many an Englishman. However things seemed to be sitting pretty for England’s chances this year; plenty of shining young talent coming through the ranks, a subtle confidence in Lancaster’s ability at the top, positivity and excitement surrounding a home World Cup. It looked as if, with continued hard-work, Lancaster’s wait would finally be over.
And then it began to unravel. Beginning with an uncertainty over one of England’s brightest star’s, Manu Tuilagi. The centre continued his spell of bad-luck when he suffered a groin injury whilst playing for Leicester. Casting a shadow over his ability to be back for the any of the Six Nations games, Lancaster had to search elsewhere for someone to fill the shoes of the man-mountain. Gloucester’s Billy Twelvetrees holds plenty of international experience, whilst Luther Burrell looks to be gradually improving his form for England. Last week though, it was revealed that Burrell was going through the concussion protocol after suffering a blow whilst playing European rugby. Ergo, attentions turned to Kyle Eastmond. With the thought of George Ford starting at fly-half, it would have been ideal to have the Bath trio (Ford, Eastmond and Joseph) starting in midfield against a blood-thirsty Welsh side on February 6th. Nevertheless, a shoulder injury throws doubt over whether Eastmond will make a full recovery in time for the opening game of the Six Nations in Cardiff.
Injuries continue as Geoff Parling and Tom Wood are dismissed for the first match, a huge away game that England need to win to ensure that they hit the ground running. Although they are expected to be back for the rest of the tournament, the bolstering that is vital to contend with a strong Welsh forward pack will have to come from elsewhere. Both Joe Launchbury and Ed Slater have been ruled out of the entire competition, as has Gloucester number eight Ben Morgan, who is dismissed after suffering a fractured leg in a recent Premiership fixture with Saracens. With more than 30 caps, it was an extra blow when it was revealed that Courtney Lawes’ ankle surgery may see him out until mid-tournament at the earliest. Therefore, George Kruis and Graham Kitchener (who both are constantly praised for their work at respective clubs) have been called up to challenge Dave Attwood for a starting spot at the Millennium Stadium. Regardless of how little experience they have of test rugby, all three still possess the ball-carrying ability and skills defensively that can give England that much needed lift.
Arguably the biggest upset is the absence of Owen Farrell, England’s trustee when it comes to kicking. Yes, George Ford is more than capable, but the reliability and flair that Farrell brings to the number ten shirt, alongside his experience as a British and Irish Lion, cannot be underestimated or replaced. Young Ford, who is hailed as a master at controlling the game from midfield, will undoubtedly become Lancaster’s first choice ahead of Danny Cipriani and Stephen Myler. Opportunity has also arisen for prop Kieran Brookes after Dave Wilson’s neck injury sees him unfit to play against Wales. Also bidding to stand in for Wilson is Dan Cole, who returns from injury (some good news at least) to make it back into Lancaster’s training squad.
Questions have been asked as to what affect the busy club schedule’s player’s have to adhere to, chasing not only Premiership glory but contending with Europe’s best teams in gruelling European Rugby Cup tournaments. Lancaster, however, looks to be content with the situation that has occurred and has confidence in where England can go with this year’s campaign. He holds faith in player’s who have been given an opportunity amidst injury woes, as well as steadfast names such as Mako and Billy Vunipola, captain Chris Robshaw and Tom Youngs. Lancaster said
“It doesn’t disrupt as much as you’d perceive from the outside, however clearly it does mean that you are slightly reactive rather than proactive in terms of your selection process. We’ve got a big squad and we’ve had a lot of players in camp over the past year, two years, so a lot of players are up to speed already which helps.”
The first game being away in Wales could be tricky for England. The Welsh are renowned for being a forceful side who will certainly not want to damage their pride by failing to tame an unsure England team. Warren Gatland bears strength in a hearty Welsh squad, led by Sam Warburton, who will want to ensure his 50th cap is earned in a win over arguably their biggest rivals. Fireworks can be expected, especially as both teams feature in the same pool later on this year in the World Cup. A taste of what’s to come in September, neither side will want to begin the Six Nations with a defeat. An extra battle for England to start the tournament away in a fortress such as the Millennium Stadium, Robshaw will need to lead the men onto the field rampant on outplaying Wales on home soil.
Believing in his approach that bonding with players individually determines a better player/coach understanding, it was discovered that Lancaster sits with each man in his training squad to learn what makes them tick, not only as a player but as a person. This clearly strengthens the trust that players have in him, which can only be a good thing when it comes to the pressures of the big game. His manner of holding his assisting staff in high regard contributes to this ethos; Lancaster opened up to how happy he was to have such esteemed coaches around him, with both Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree boasting Lions experience both on and off the pitch. Respect and hard work are obviously vital parts to Lancaster’s approach, and he knows there are no short cuts to clinching a victory:
“I don’t think that anyone has a divine right to stamp any authority on the competition, you’ve got to earn the right to do it.”
Despite not reigning over the Championship since 2011, a refreshed squad with different players and a desperation to be on top once again might be the formula for success.
“We are frustrated that we haven’t nailed down that Championship win, we were very close last year, very close the year before and even in my first year in that interim role so it does burn inside us and we are motivated by that.”
So maybe this year could actually be England’s year? Of course there are obstacles to over come, not least a brutish Ireland side that go in as favourites. But with a World Cup to host and an injury list to diminish, hopes for a Six Nations Championship prove more prominent than ever. It’s all to play for, and perhaps for Lancaster the wait could be over.
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