Robinson: England still in the running
ANDY Robinson believes that England can still win the World Cup, but must solve the question of who will be playing in the half-back roles to stand a good chance.
Former England coach Robinson puts their ability to perform in individual games at the centre of his argument that they could still lift the trophy, but insists that clarity over selection is critical to any challenge.
“I believe England can still win the World Cup,” he said, speaking on The Rugby Paper Podcast. “I still think they’ve got the firepower and the ability to win a one-off game, and that’s what the World Cup will be about: the ability to win a quarter-final, semi-final and final.
“England will get into the quarter-finals, and have the mentality to win three one-off games.
“Obviously there’s this debate about the halfbacks, and that has to be solved.
“Nine and ten is an area where nobody is sure on who’s going to be selected, and I think you’ve got to be able to settle on a nine and ten who are going to be able to perform.
“I think there’s some challenges for England to find a settled team ready to go through to the World Cup.”
Robinson was full of praise for the French team that hammered England last weekend, citing the collective strengths of their team as being vital to recent success.
“What I like about the French team is the balance that they’ve got,” he said. “I think when you look at Flament playing in the second row with Willemse, they’ve got speed in the second row and they’ve also got some power.
“You look at their back row, they’re interchangeable and they’ve also got a lineout presence. They can all carry, they’re all very good defenders and all very good over the ball.
“Francois Cros is a bit like a Richard Hill. He does so much work that’s unseen and doesn’t get the praise for it but he’s a quality player.
“Then you look at the backline, with a centre combination of Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou who compliment each other and put in an exceptional performance together.”
■ Listen to the Rugby Paper Podcast, which will next week feature Ireland and Lions legend Willie John McBride, on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast provider.