Daily Mail exclusive says it's Lancaster for England

so, it's probably Mallett.

After all, this is the Mail..............................

Stuart Lancaster is on the verge of being appointed England head coach after RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie was understood to have put forward his name to the union board for final approval.

The 42-year-old Cumbrian has had an anxious wait to learn his fate since having a formal interview for the post on Thursday last week, on the same day as his main rival, South African Nick Mallett.

On Monday, Ritchie and his four advisers — Sir Ian McGeechan, Rob Andrew, Conor O’Shea and Richard Hill — met for one final discussion before settling on their recommendation.

Sportsmail has learned that there was due to be a gathering of the RFU board on Wednesday night and it is thought that Ritchie had decided to propose that Lancaster is appointed as the long-term successor to Martin Johnson. Subject to formal acceptance at the meeting, an announcement is likely to be made either on Thursday or Friday.

They have been pretty Accurate (in England Rugby Terms) in the past.

In my opinion a good choice and the right choice for english rugby.

I really hope they're right, but I never underestimate the ability of the RFU to f**k it up!

Its all very well getting Lancaster in...and i actually agree with that appointment...however we need to make sure we get the right coaches in to support him!

GeordieFalcon wrote:Its all very well getting Lancaster in...and i actually agree with that appointment...however we need to make sure we get the right coaches in to support him!

That's true whoever they appoint. No top coach can work miracles without support. I hear very good things about Farrell.

Auntie's spreading the same rumour. "BBC sources believe blah-de-bah"

maestegmafia wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Its all very well getting Lancaster in...and i actually agree with that appointment...however we need to make sure we get the right coaches in to support him!

That's true whoever they appoint. No top coach can work miracles without support. I hear very good things about Farrell.

Not Farrell I hope. Too defensively minded.

I'd love to see Wayne Smith as attacks coach

I think he deserves a go. In fairness sometimes it's best to bring in a guy with less experience because they have more hunger to prove themselves. He has worked his way up and his zero tolerance approach has paid dividends.

He also knows the squad well...and has a good knowledge of what is coming through the ranks...

I hope it isn't Mallett.

Radio four just announced Lancaster

Portnoy - I am with you. Lancaster = Good, Rowntree = Good.
Farrell - ?. I think he will/is a great defensive coach (like Edwards).
But as a player (in union) he offered nothing in attack - how can he then go on to coach an attacking side.

Farrell as defensive coach and bring in another as attack coach - then the team is complete.
(and not too top heavy)

But who is defensive coach at Sarries...Farrel or Gustard...?

Geordie - I dont know. I have a feeling that Farrell is overall backs coach.

England 2012 look a lot like Farrells Saracens, when they are doing things that are effective.

Telegrapgh states it is Lancaster

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9171489/Stuart-Lancaster-appointed-England-manager.html

Mallet apparently informed he is unsuccessfull this morning.

Telegrapgh states it is Lancaster

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9171489/Stuart-Lancaster-appointed-England-manager.html

Mallet apparently informed he is unsuccessfull this morning.

Too be honest Maesteg...if they play a sarries type...looking at effectiveness and winning..i have no problem ...i would just like to see them open it up a little bit when its on....and im not sure Farell at the moment is the man to do that.

Whilst im not a 100% fan of Flood...he can control a game like the Sarries style requires...but is also capable of opening it up when its on!

Be interesting to see how this team evolves anyway...

The Farrell thing worries me a bit as I'd like to see us playing with a bit of flair.

However, the quickest way to lose in International rugby is having flair without hard graft and a gritty defence.

Sometimes, rock solid foundations will give players the confidence to be creative and chuck it around a bit, so I wouldn't be fretting too much yet.

it is also a good position to be in having to choose between 2 good options at 10. Flood appears to have regained some form. whilst Farrell had an excellent 6Ns. Hopefully they can spur each other to better things. Dawson and Bracken did it at 9 when they swapped starting positions many times. Stops the players getting complacent.

wickedwasp wrote:The Farrell thing worries me a bit as I'd like to see us playing with a bit of flair.

However, the quickest way to lose in International rugby is having flair without hard graft and a gritty defence.

Sometimes, rock solid foundations will give players the confidence to be creative and chuck it around a bit, so I wouldn't be fretting too much yet.

Now if only all England fans could realise this! Happily I think Lancaster does realise this.

Be very interesting to see if SL brings in any new coaches to his set up? The 6Ns was meant to be a temporary set up, but of course they got great results so surely he would want to keep them all? Must have been tempting for the RFU to have gone for Mallet with Wayne Smith, but it is nice to see an English coach given the chance. Good luck SL.

I thought SL was Scottish

Sky & Telegraph also confirming Stuart Lancaster to be named Head Coach.

Well done the RFU !

Right so a few pieces of the jigsaw are in place:

Head Coach - Lancaster
Forwards Coach - Rowntree
Defence Coach- ?
Attack Coach- ?

WIll Sarries let Farrell go? What other options are there?

screamingaddabs wrote:

wickedwasp wrote:The Farrell thing worries me a bit as I'd like to see us playing with a bit of flair.

However, the quickest way to lose in International rugby is having flair without hard graft and a gritty defence.

Sometimes, rock solid foundations will give players the confidence to be creative and chuck it around a bit, so I wouldn't be fretting too much yet.

Now if only all England fans could realise this! Happily I think Lancaster does realise this.

Will the South African analysts not (probably as I type) be poring over the English 6Ns video tapes?

Will they not deconstructing the English game plan to the nth degree?

And my fear is that the backs are extremely defensively-minded according to the Farrell plan. And that will be exploited to huge advantage by the Saffers.

e.g. Is it just a coincidence that Ashton receded from top (or joint) top try scorer from the last 6Ns and RWC to zip.

Was that a result of loss of form or Farrell's game-plan?

I'm sure the Boks will be doing just that, however, I'm not sure what's there to exploit. The defence is solid, the scrum is solid, the breakdown work is good, the kicker's reliable. The only weakness is the limitations in attack & I'm not sure how you exploit that

I also think that part of tht is the team and the combos learning to play together. It should improve and that would give us the makings of a very good team indeed.

The Boks are not just analysing the tapes, they've actually planted 2 members of the SA special squad into your team - watch Barritt opening the door for the SA midfield to waltz through and let's not even start with Botha!! - It's a conspiracy lads, I tells yah!

Hey Ruby, wait for Agent Cuthbert's activation in Cardiff 2013!

Carpe

wickedwasp wrote:I'm sure the Boks will be doing just that, however, I'm not sure what's there to exploit. The defence is solid, the scrum is solid, the breakdown work is good, the kicker's reliable. The only weakness is the limitations in attack & I'm not sure how you exploit that

I also think that part of tht is the team and the combos learning to play together. It should improve and that would give us the makings of a very good team indeed.

Hmm. Have you ever noticed how the Saffers never field a substandard pack?

And that they tend to get the ball out to the wings to negate stolid centre defences?

I have SA 2-1 against England this summer. And the England one will be the last one as the tour is won and provides a bit of room for Saffa experimentation.

Carpe Diem wrote:Hey Ruby, wait for Agent Cuthbert's activation in Cardiff 2013!

I thought he was anonomous at Twickenham - you might be on to something - Showed up well against France though

And let's not forget his mothers welsh while we're at it

Interesting. I don't think we're vulnerable in the scrum to be honest, but we would have to watch our wide defence, I agree.

I've got England for 2-1 (more hope than expectation possibly) figuring we'll win the first catching them unprepared. Backlash in the second, with the third a knock down, drag out series decider.

Now, be honest wouldn't you love that.

RubyGuby wrote:

Carpe Diem wrote:Hey Ruby, wait for Agent Cuthbert's activation in Cardiff 2013!

I thought he was anonomous at Twickenham - you might be on to something - Showed up well against France though

It's in the genes Ruby, something about the French brings out the beast in an Englishman! In all seriousness he's a helluva find, fair play to Cardiff for giving him a shot.

But who is defensive coach at Sarries...Farrel or Gustard...?

Gustard, he also looks after the lineouts and is responsible for the 'wolf pack' mantra of the forwards. Farrell is in charge of the backs so must work closely with Gustard because the defensive line is excellent and where England fell apart last time was because Ford and Smith seemed on different pages.

Geordie I filled it in for you:

Head Coach - Lancaster
Forwards Coach - Rowntree
Defence Coach- Gustard or Ellis (depending on how much Gustard will cost)
Attack Coach- Mauger

I like that team Sam...but you might get calls that theres a hint of Leicester there..

What other options would be available for Attack coach...

Sam I really don't want to lose Gustard to England.

Ellis would be an interesting choice.

Mauger - what experience has he got?

Wayne Smith has already said he'd be interested in attacks coach.

Oh dear.

Auntie just quoted that Lancaster as wanting Farrell 'on board'.

We're done for!

We'rrre Doooomed!

Cheer up Portnoy - maybe he meant Owen

Mauger - what experience has he got?

Tigers part time backs coach in 2009 (HEC final and AP champions that year) and then he's been working with Canterbury and the Crusaders (alongside Daryl Gibson). There were vast changes when Cockerill allowed Geordan and Mauger to take over the attacking structure of the Tigers backs and it was a very pragmatic approach, a nice varied for of attacking based on gainline success and changing the point of attack (how it's gone down hill under MOC ). Canterbury and the Crusaders run a similar system with clever running lines and playing to their strengths though Mauger isn't soley responsible for that he is a good attack coach that has experience intergrating his ideas with English forward packs.

There are hopeful rumours he is returning to Tigers as it's been heard he wants to coach in the NH again (he was linked as the attack coach to Ulster as well).

Gustard is the best English defence coach, whether he is available or not is a different matter. If he is then England should sign him up immeadiatley. If he isn't then Ellis should be brought in.

glad to here Stuarts staying, i'd be happy with Farrel and a specialist attck coach but I can't see Saracens letting him go.

Other possibles could be

Attack/Backs Coaches:
Austin Healey (Ashton looked at him and he would love it)
Wayne Smith (already put himself out there)
Brian Ashton (has a lot to say ont he matter and experience)
Will Greenwood (More in hope)
Toby Booth (Looks like he could be out of a job soon)
Mike Catt (as above)
Mauger (Apparently free and in the NH)

Defense:
Dave Ellis (Free for the role and has plenty of experience)
Erm...

Greenwood or Catt I'd love - particularly Catt as he's done a fair bit of coaching.

Well blow me a governing body has finally made the correct decision, eben if I didn't think they would.

I said all along that Lancaster should have been given the job until at least after the Summer tour but always had a sneaky feeling that the RFU would have put a 'big' name in at the top.

Well done to Lancaster and despite hoping against it I think the future is rosey for England but the hard work starts for him now.

"We have a massive task ahead of us in South Africa this summer and we have 37 games before that first World Cup match on home soil, so every second counts in developing players who can win that tournament – which has to be the ultimate aim.

Stuart Lancaster quoted from the RFU website.

Seems he's clear as to what he's about and the scale of the mountain he is trying to climb. Exciting times for England!

Hmm I'd prefer to have a working squad of international quality players developed for now rather than this wishy washy planning for the future BS. I rather liked his pragmatic approach in the 6N all we were missing was an attacking game in the backs which was down to a couple of contributing factors. I will not be happy if he rights off the development of that rather key area because of the development of young players because our aim in any season should be to take at least 4 wins (AI plus summer tour) wins off of the SH sides and win the 6N.

Sam

If I had to, I'd guess he's playing the PR game, which he's done pretty well so far.

I'm tempted to judge him by what he's done so far & I'm pretty happy with it.

It's been confirmed by the BBC that Lancaster is now the coach. And it was the right choice. He has proven he is worthy, he handles the media well and is very modest, as in he likes to heap praise on his coaching staff and players.

His press interviews after the Wales defeat swung it for me. He was balanced, concise and gracious without any hint of bitterness or trying to attach blame to the TMO, we was unlucky, we gifted them a try BS - He was mature and articulate and the measue of a mans ability for me is how he handles defeat. Lancaster came out with 10/10 for me and irrespective of the SA tour as there will be some tough defeats ahead, this guy has all the makings of a great coach. Lets hope the english media and some fans dont destroy that when things get a little difficult as they obviously will over the next 12-18 months