Where are the Reinforcements? Baths’ World Cup Hopefuls (3)

  A brave come back and two fine tries cannot hide the paucity of England’s performance in Paris. There is no comfort in the gallantry of the last 10 minutes –this was a humiliation. Early defeat does not of course mean eventual defeat as British history so often shows. The mood this morning however, resembles not so much the live to fight another day spirit of Dunkirk, rather the bitter failure of Arnhem. At Arnhem, the 1St Airborne Division met unexpected strength and resistance and this gap in intelligence proved the costly difference. So it seemed for England in Paris. The French pack turned up, and more than that: they turned up the heat, England did not know how to cope and got badly burned. Yes, there was bravery aplenty and, unlike Arnhem, the reinforcements eventually arrived – to some effect, but it was all too little too late. With a week to the naming of the squad and bridges seemingly burned for 4 star players, Lancaster has run out of reinforcements. Where does he turn to restore strength and morale?  

There can be no magic wand at this stage. The resources he has will have to step up to the mark. To do that England must go back to basics as France did. Rugby 101 states that no team, however talented, can play without the ball as France reminded England. To do that may mean some tweaking of the pecking order, but at this stage it must be from the current 38 squad members. Ball winning & territory management need four firm foundations: scrum, lineout, breakdown and discipline. The state of the Stade de France pitch and some of Jaco Pyper’s decisions did not help either. These cannot be excuses, but England will encounter Pyper later:the reasons for the more baffling penalties need to be researched. Graham Rowntree also needs to practise his forwards in winning quick ball on a Twickenham style surface. Andy Farrell and Mike Catt meanwhile, have 2 key imperatives to address: tactical kicking and breaking the gain line (possibly from limited possession).

All these points are fairly obvious. So, where does the Paris debacle leave Bath’s squad representatives? Have their causes stalled, or advanced?

George Ford suffered his worst opening 10 minutes in an England shirt with 3 visible errors and initially suffered from the lack of control around him. He recovered both composure and touch and was the prime hope of territory & points for the much of the match. In the final surges the old George appeared –probing, directing, creating tries. He will make the squad, but the tussle for starting 10 is on.

Jonathan Joseph, a marked man since the 6 Nations, had very little space – France’s game plan saw to that. He did little wrong, kept trying to take the game forward and finally scored a good try. Nailed on for the squad and a likely starter.

Davey Wilson has been expected to give way to Brookes, but seemed to shore up both scrum and maul when called on. With Corbisiero an injury doubt and Cole struggling, his experience is a must. Will surely make the squad.

Dave Attwood, another playing for his chance according to the press, had a busy 25 minutes in carry and lineout work, in contrast to Lawes who was alarmingly quiet for the first 35 minutes. Again, England’s scrum seemed more stable with Attwood on. Ought to be chosen for the squad.

Those who did not play.

Rob Webber, sound but unspectacular a week ago, has the edge of experience over all 3 rivals bar Youngs . His nous will be essential, but Jamie George’s effective cameo suggests Rob may be third choice.

Sam Burgess still has an interest, as the midfield debate continues. Burrell did manage some go forward, but could England have used Slammin’ Sam’s “frighteners” in defence? Touch & go.

Anthony Watson, showcased his talent last week. Certain starter.

So, all of Bath’s seven representatives will still harbour hopes of a place: three seem certain with as many as five or six likely. Lancaster has said he will use behind closed doors trial matches to finalise his selection. That should be good for England’s competitive edge, for individual chances and for Bath’s coming season. Will the men from the Rec be able to lift the performance?