>> Gustard: Big chance for revenge in Dublin
PAUL Gustard believes England have the ballcarrying power to smash Ireland out of their comfort zone and launch their Six Nations bid in style.
Gustard, who was England’s defence coach when they lost 13-9 in Dublin two years ago, predicts things will be different on Saturday now that head coach Eddie Jones has virtually a full-strength squad to choose from.
Gustard, now in charge of Harlequins, told The
Rugby Paper: “Five words sum up England’s challenge for me: big challenge, but big opportunity.
“Ireland are ranked above England and have performed well for 18 months, but I’m excited by England’s prospects.
“Ireland are a well-organised defensive team and are probably the best threephase attacking team in the world, with good set-piece organisation to match.
“England haven’t scored a try in their last three visits to Dublin so there is the challenge of breaking Ireland in that regard, but I also think this is a good opportunity because this is probably the strongest squad Eddie has had to choose from for some time.
“He’s got the most talent at his disposal and England, a further year on from the Lions tour, will be fresher. There’s a bit of momentum from the autumn, the players are feeling more refreshed and looking forward to the chal- lenge of a World Cup year.”
While Irish sides have dominated the English in this season’s Champions Cup, Gustard does not buy into the theory that Ireland are unbeatable.
He explained: “England have nothing to fear. Everyone expects Ireland to win, apart from the English, so if we go there with the right attitude we can win. There’s always that thing about going to Ireland and matching their spirit and passion, but the Irish don’t have a monopoly on passion and I think Eddie and Owen Farrell will have that squad fired-up for this Test.”
Gustard admits mistakes were made last year by the England management. “We approached the Six Nations completely differently last year, when the boys had a tough Six Nations conditioning-wise for a couple of reasons, and they went into their games more fatigued than we’d have wanted.
“Boys were knackered, but a few Lions guys were rested for South Africa in the summer and England have got some confidence going now. With some big players returning – Courtney Lawes, Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Manu Tuilagi – who’s properly fit for the first time in a long time – there are great options for Eddie.”
Gustard believes it is Ireland who should do the worrying. He added: “I would expect Ireland to follow a similar core pattern to before: they’ll pick an aerial lineout team, one that’s tenacious on the floor and around that scramble defence – then they’ve got a strong kicking game at halfback through Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton.
“They’ll be ferocious at the breakdown and will try to bring a lineout presence to try and upset England’s rhythm. That said, England aren’t too short in those areas themselves and they’ll be aggressive. They have more of a ‘man-watching’ defence with John Mitchell and the attack seems to be evolving with
Scott Wisemantel’s input.
“England have three good front row ball-carriers in Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George and Mako Vunipola – Kyle and Mako are the best in the world – and with Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes, and Billy Vunipola or Nathan Hughes at No.8 with Ben Te’o or Tuilagi in midfield, England have serious ball-carrying intent.”
While Ireland have been placed on a pedestal by some, Gustard counters: “Not me – and I’m sure Eddie won’t either. Ireland are ranked above England but momentum can shift and England are developing nicely. I’m a proud Englishman and this is a great chance to get the win.”