Consistency is key

By Brian Dick on Dec 1, 08 09:32 AM in Rugby

One win and three embarrassing defeats from Martin Johnson's first series in charge is neither the return the England team manager would have wanted nor expected.

As appalling as the beating by South Africa was and the one by New Zealand could have been - England were just a semi decent kicking performance from Dan Carter away from another record defeat - we have to be aware of changing too many variables.

The decision to bench Danny Cipriani was probably fair. The decision to start him in the fist place was not. He is the future but he needs time to get his game back in order after six months out.

But if England are to move forward they have to keep a relatively constant playing and coaching set up so reasoned and accurate assessments can be made. Throw all the cards up in the air for every match and they'll land differently each time.

If Johnson decides Lee Mears isn't his man at hooker, Dylan Hartley must play with Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery.

If there are concerns over Danny Care's service he must have familiar faces at No 8 and fly half if a meaningful judgement is to be made.

And whatever is done the back three of Delon Armitage, Paul Sackey and Ugo Monye cannot be broken up following three games in which they have received barely any quick ball.

If there are changes to be made - and I think the failure of England's forwards to dominate the breakdown leaves John Wells on very dodgy ground - then they must be expedited on a sensible and calculated basis not just wholesale in the hope the right combinations miraculously fall into place.

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The Welsh 6 Nations Squad and all of Wales and my Nan. said:

Quote:And whatever is done the back three of Delon Armitage, Paul Sackey and Ugo Monye cannot be broken up following three games in which they have received barely any quick ball.

Please Baby Jesus make it so.

December 6, 2008 8:04 PM

The Welsh 6 Nations Squad and all of Wales,my nan and her dog. said:

After your uncharacteristic slip up over the frankly insane Shane Williams outburst.
I think you're bang on the button with this honest and erudite appraisal of Englands autumn performances. More of the same please England!...oh and don't forget to sack John Wells and don't even think about tampering with that back three.
cheers, ta.

December 7, 2008 9:13 PM