CARRY US HOME
Stu’s rallying cry
STUART LANCASTER has called on the nation to carry England to World Cup glory on a wave of passionate support.
The England coach wants the country to be decked out in the flag of St George and wear the red rose with pride as his side look to beat the best the world has to offer in pursuit of the Webb Ellis Cup.
Issuing the call to arms at a glitzy event at London’s O2 Arena, where the team were joined on stage by Take That, Lancaster said: “Let’s be on the front foot about being English.
“We want people to believe in us, from Cornwall to Cumbria, because we believe in ourselves.
“We don’t want a fear of failure to kill any of the dreams we have. This is a young side but I’m very proud of every one of them.
“There’s one intangible that these 31 players have got and that is heart. I hope we win it. I’m sure we will.”
Lancaster, who was given a stand- ing ovation by 15,000 fans, says his England side will repay the support with their play on the field and their behaviour off it.
He added: “One of the legacies we want to achieve is to be the most respected sports team in the world.”
England begin their bid for glory against Fiji at Twickenham next Friday in the tournament’s opening game.
And they will be eager not to slip up in a clash described by former Lions and Scotland coach Sir Ian McGeechan as a “banana skin”.
The Fijians won this year’s Pacific Nations Cup and possess a wing in Nemani Nadolo who kicked nine goals from nine attempts in their 47-18 win over Canada at The Stoop last Sunday. McGeechan feels Fiji have the talent to cause an upset in Pool A, saying: “They are the dark horses of the group.
“There’s no doubt they can play, but the question is, have they got the game in them to beat a big team? I think they have.
“It’s a banana skin for England. I’ve coached in Fiji, the Queen’s a big thing there, and the honour of playing the opening game will mean a hell of a lot to them. Will they be up for it? You bet.
“Their running and handling skills are just so natural. And they’re big and physical. So if you give them space, say goodbye because you won’t get a second chance.
“Of all the teams, if Fiji get through five or six phases, they are the most dangerous side in the world.”