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The farce that is English rugby continues its long downward spiral, a fall from grace unchecked since 2003. Yes, they played in the 2007 World Cup finals, but only an idiot would claim they were the second best team there.
They were hammered by SA in the group phases, snuck through against a bad Australian side in the quarters, and bettered a French team who lost to Argentina, and never quite recovered from the jubilation of shocking the All Blacks the previous week.
Week after week they revel in mediocrity, constantly excusing it through claims of injury and team building. It’s been 7 years! How long are you going to build (and go back to the same old dogs – what new, world-class talent has been discovered since?)
Martin Johnson has been an abject failure, but Rob Andrew’s should probably take more of the blame. Since taking over from Sir Clive, what good thing has he accomplished?
A player release agreement with Premier Rugby… and not a single international trophy.
Not a six nations triumph since 2003! You have to go back to the 80s to find an England as unsuccessful.
And the solution is so simple. Jake White has the best credentials out of any unemployed coach – and most employed coaches, for that matter.
If England brought him on now, he would still have time to prepare a team for the World Cup. His first season as Springbok coach saw him take the Tri-Nations tournament, win IRB Coach of the Year, the Boks won Team of the Year, Schalk Burger won Player of the Year … there’s plenty of time yet for England to excel under new management.
Jake White is perfect for the English game too. He is a conservative coach who builds his teams around brutal defense, a low error rate, and suffocating tactics – everything England is good at. And he has a fantastic eye for talent.
As Springbok u21 coach, and national coach, he discovered star players such as: Schalk Burger, Jean De Villiers, Bismarck Du Plessis, Pierre Spies, Bryan Habana … the list goes on and on.
In a country such as England, which boasts twice as many rugby players as anyone else, there’s no doubt Jake White could discover the talent necessary to make them a world power once more. But he does need time, which is why it’s essential they appoint him right away, so he can scour the clubs for the best and brightest.
What to do with Martin Johnson? Bump him up a notch. Send Rob Andrew’s packing, and let Johnno be rugby supremo. He can stand around looking important, keep his reputation and honor intact, and oversee a resurgent England under Jake White.
It’s so obvious that it’s never, ever going to happen and England will remain mired in mediocrity for years to come.
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.