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Rob Andrew, England’s elite rugby director, insisted the team were engaged in a “long-term” project following a crushing trio of defeats at the hands of the Tri-Nations last month.
England, under new manager Martin Johnson, were beaten 28-14, 42-6 and 32-6 by Australia, world champions South Africa and New Zealand respectively on successive weekends at Twickenham.
Their performances, which saw the Springboks inflict England’s heaviest home defeat, suggested a huge gap but former England five-eighth Andrew said now was not the time to pass judgment on England.
“We said right from the word go it was a three-year project,” said Andrew, who oversaw the appointment of Johnson after England controversially axed former coach Brian Ashton, who took the team to the 2007 World Cup final.
“That’s why we changed the RFU (Rugby Football Union) contract structure and gave Martin a three-year contract until December 2011.”
Andrew and Johnson, who stood alongside him as they addressed reporters, said the inexperience of the current side had to be taken into consideration.
“On Saturday, New Zealand had 647 caps and we had 275. Look at the experience that isn’t there from the 2007 World Cup – there isn’t a side in the world that’s lost 10 players from a World Cup final,” Andrew said,
“We are where we are. We haven’t got old guard to go back to.”
However, England deliberately opted against fielding such experienced players as Josh Lewsey, Danny Grewcock, Mike Tindall and Andy Gomarsall during last month’s Tests.
“We are picking the best team but of course we’ve got 2011 in mind,” Johnson said. “I didn’t expect to go into (November’s) series and lose by the margins we did.
“But I didn’t want to give ourselves that excuse (of building for the 2011 World Cup).”
Former Australia coach Eddie Jones said on Monday that England’s structure was “crazy” and didn’t allow for player development.
“A lot of what Eddie says is right,” Andrew said. “Mathew Tait, Tom Rees, Tom Croft, Danny Care and Danny Cipriani (who all played for England last month) are the first generation out of the academy system.
“But we do need the Premiership to help with player development,” added Andrew, who said the Anglo-Welsh Cup competition should become an Under-25 tournament.
England did complete an Under-20 Six Nations grand slam this year before reaching the final of the Under-20 World Cup, where they lost to New Zealand.
“Our Under-20 are at world level, but we need them to move on,” said Andrew.
“We’ve got to avoid falling into the trough of not having enough players coming through.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.