Lancaster admits fate hinges on Wales test

STUART LANCASTER admits that his entire England regime will be defined by selections and results over the next two matches — starting with tomorrow’s showdown against Wales at Twickenham. The head coach knows his reign has reached make-orbreak time as he prepares for World Cup encounters with the Welsh and Australia in the space of seven days. Having launched a fervent defence of the decision to drop George Ford, reinstate Owen Farrell and promote Sam Burgess into the England starting XV, Lancaster conceded he will stand or fall by what happens next. Asked if he will be judged on the Wales match more than any other, he said: ‘That was always going to be the case — this and the game against Australia. ‘If we win, it will be judged a success. If we lose — regardless of what selection I made — you’ll all be questioning the selection I made in the first place. It

will come down to the next two games. I understand the consequences and the stakes because it’s the World Cup.’ Despite hostility, particularly towards the decision to omit Ford, Lancaster insisted England were turning to the power-based formula which was most likely to break down an aggressive Wales defence. There was no attempt to avoid taking responsibility for the selection. ‘The final decision is mine alone,’ he said. Lancaster was adamant that his team selection did not reflect panic at the threat posed by Wales’ big backs. He also said England would not merely adopt a ‘Route One’ attacking approach.

On the fly-half switch, he added: ‘I’ve not brought in a guy (Farrell) who’s got no experience. They are both word class and we are just playing in a different way, a different order. ‘Owen has that quality defensively and with his goal-kicking, game management and temperament, but he’s learned a lot from George by training with him in the last three months. ‘People are trying to say we can’t play any attacking rugby with a different line-up, but I don’t see it that way. ‘Obviously, George is disappointed, but it is how you deal with disappointment, and he has already turned it into determination to improve and show me and the coaches why he should start.’ Lancaster was emphatic in endorsing Burgess’ inclusion and said: ‘I am 100-percent certain he is ready for it.’