Why it Was Important for England to Lose in the Six Nations

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 23, 2010

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After England beat Italy in the Six Nations in a thoroughly unconvincing manner and by an equally disappointing five points, Steve Borthwick was quoted saying: "Obviously, we want to win all our games by as big a margin as we can, but we did some fantastic stuff."

At this point, I knew it was absolutely imperative that England didn't win their last three matches in the tournament, unless there were significant changes in style and selection. The reason for this is because of the mantra Martin Johnson coaches by-results are the be all and end all. This is a philosophy which only leads to long term mediocrity at best. By placing no emphasis on performance, the smallest win against the most mediocre of opponents is deemed acceptable. 

The problem for England is that their international timetable is largely dominated by average northern hemisphere opponents. Sure, there are a few Autumn internationals and end of season tours which have recently become a joke (South Africa in 2007 anyone?).

Therefore, the results-based approach against the northern hemisphere teams leads to embarrassment against the class of the southern hemisphere. England is the richest, most populous union, it should not be losing year in and year out at Twickenham to Australia. 

Thankfully, England failed to win their final three games and this already has, and surely will, prompt further change. Johnson puts a lot of stock in experience and is very loyal to some players, but after the dire performance and subsequent draw against Scotland, he knew changes had to be made.

In came Foden, Ashton, Flood, and Moody as captain and an immediately improved performance. He still holds too much faith in the faded hero that is Johnny Wilkinson, whose inability to stand flat and ask telling questions of international defences is frankly shocking. Wilkinson should never have been brought on for the admittedly flat Flutey, Ti...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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