REACTION TO HEAVY DEFEAT AT HARLEQUINS LAST WEEK
“It’s been a good week after a bad performance. The players have come in very energetic and buzzing. We were speaking earlier about how much we do need to say. Sometimes less is more in weeks like this. Not trying to leave every stone unturned which is a coach’s disposition, just trust.
“I hope the backlash comes by way of growth which we will see over the course of the season. The backlash is just a week. We can’t just be the team that ebbs and flows with poor performances, otherwise your consistency and application of your training will ebb and flow with performance. You need to focus on process and understand where we are as a group and the kind of team we want to be. That’s what the players spoke about. I would hope to think you would see more consistent performances from us from now until June, not just a spike this weekend. We would have got a spike this weekend as it is Europe. Every game feels like a knockout.
“I back the group and coaches to put it right. Rotation isn’t something that we have included in our selection policy this year. Compared to other teams we have gone flat out as the Premiership this season is a bit of a sprint in terms of the number of games. It is the time in the season when you get to seven/ eight games in where bodies start to break down. That is universal so any selection that is different to what has been is on the basis of injury, illness or fatigue. If I had my time again seven or eight players who could have played last week within our squad probably would have given a better account for us as an organisation. There is a degree of honesty between trying to squeeze every drop out of the players and players saying that they are ok to go again when really they are not. That is part of the growth and honesty between us. We have got to get better at that even though we are good at that as an organisation if we want to maintain consistent performance.
GEORGE FORD
“I am expecting him to be a Sale player next season. George’s negotiations are entirely down to him. There is a contract in place; it is just a player option. From what I hear he is very happy. We have agreed on terms we just need to make it official.
“He is such a presence around the place. He has been more authoritative since the World Cup than he was in the past which is a great thing. Seemingly the more you put on him the more he is able to shoulder. Should he have had more game-time and more than 90 caps as it is?
“I was surprised he didn’t feature more after the Argentina game. I was but I understand why he didn’t because Steve Borthwick backed his captain. He went into the competition knowing who was going to lead the team and how they were going to play. It’s difficult to turn the ship around mid-campaign but quite obviously as everyone would agree George’s influence was pivotal in turning England’s fortunes around because firstly you have got to win. They had to get back that winning mentality and confidence, finding a way to win even if it wasn’t pretty. It was pragmatic and comprehensive.
“Yes (foreseeing George reach 100 caps). That was the plan. He wasn’t in the England squad at the time when he signed for us. It was one of his big ambitions and dreams to get back in the England team. We found form with this group, so why couldn’t he get back there. You have to write it down, call it out, say it, reaffirm it week in, week out. Track it, inspect it and see how you are faring for it to come to being. It makes it so much easier if you do that. It wasn’t like let’s hope, it was it’s going to happen. So absolutely did I foresee it happening.
MANU TUILAGI
“Last year was supposed to be his last year. Then he said one more year. With Jono (Ross) retiring and Coenie (Oosthuizen) going back to South Africa there was some money in the pot that opened up which meant we could keep Manu. When he came back from the World Cup I asked him how he was feeling and whether he has another year in him. Manu said let’s get back on the field and go for another steak so we will chat about it over a glass of wine.
“He is more enthusiastic and energetic than most 19 and 20-year-olds. His want and desire to play in this Champions Cup off the back of a World Cup is quite astonishing. It is always the drive that goes first. He is loving playing and being out there. He is looking 10 years younger than he is. He is not old, he has just been around for a long time.”
INJURY UPDATE
Jean-Luc du Preez- training today (Wednesday), likely to be available for selection next week
Telusa Veainu- looked sharp today (Wednesday)
Luke James- back in a white bib (non-contact training)
Manu Tuilagi- up for selection this week
OTHER NEWS
Cobus Wiese- a player and club option, in negotiations with him around that option
Luke Cowan-Dickie- recruitment meeting next Tuesday and it will be on the agenda, Al doesn’t really like one-year deals, would like to see Luke sign multi-year extension
Agustin Creevy- would be delighted to sign him up for another year, another who comes up for discussion next Tuesday
Champions Cup is as close to international rugby as you can get
French sides- flair and unpredictable, Stade Français not your typical French side with loads of flair but they are an unbelievable challenge, are a strong side that are doing very well in the Top 14, big physical team with strong set-piece and defence
Christmas is a good time for crowds coming through the gates
When we were looking at potential injury replacements for Tom Curry, Jono Ross sent Al an email saying he was in good shape, almost made a comeback
Steve Borthwick met with 8 Sharks on Tuesday, Al has spoken with Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters, wholly positive reaction, Borthwick spoke to players about two areas of focus- their x-factors/ current strengths, gave feedback to Steve, in the past players were just given focus points whereas new initiative now discussed with the players, we play similar style to what England will do
Cap going up? If we want to compete in Europe yes, for financial sustainability no, need more funding until clubs can increase revenue streams and bring more crowds in so that clubs can make the game more sustainable
Preparation was compromised ahead of Harlequins like against Exeter, mentality was an issue, we play like we train and we didn’t train hard enough ahead of the game which was on Al as he took some of the loading off the players in the week
Exciting places to travel to in the Champions Cup, Dublin and Cape Town
Komentáre