England’s failed World Cup unfolded against a backdrop of disquiet over the influence of Andy Farrell and Sam Burgess’ presence in the squad.
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Reacting to the 33-13 defeat by Australia that dumped the hosts out of the tournament, head coach Stuart Lancaster declared there is “no division in the coaching team” and stated that the final decision in picking the side was his alone.
However, it is known that misgivings were harboured within the squad over the power wielded by backs coach Farrell, both tactically and in selection.
It was felt that the rugby league great and not Lancaster was in effect running England. The determination to include Burgess in the World Cup squad and then name him in the matchday 23 was divisive and Farrell was seen as the driving force behind the 26-year-old’s elevation.
Outside the camp, Burgess’ rapid promotion 10 months after switching codes from rugby league has been viewed with amazement and appeared to have been based on one solid yet unspectacular display against France in the first warm-up match.
Henry Slade excelled during the same game yet was never under serious consideration for the 28-25 defeat to Wales.
The management repeatedly pointed to Burgess’ performance during the gruelling 10-week summer training camp to justify his participation, but their faith was not shared throughout the playing squad, it is understood.
Luther Burrell, an ever present under Lancaster over the last two years, lost out on selection for the final 31 to Burgess and there was sympathy for a player who had been overlooked because of the perceived aura and big game experience of his rival.
Spotlight does have to go back on Rob Andrew. In situ at RFU since 2006. Key in appointing Lancaster. Earning over £400k a year.
— Simon Austin (@sport_simon) October 3, 2015
When asked about the suggestion England were at odds internally over selection, Lancaster replied: “No. Let’s put that one to bed to start with. The decisions we make on selection are collective and they’re ultimately mine and my responsibility. There’s no division in the coaching team.”
The future of Lancaster and his assistants Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt are in grave doubt and the inquest will begin once the World Cup is over, although RFU chief Ian Ritchie has refused to outline a timescale or format for the review.
The position of Ritchie himself is equally precarious having appointed Lancaster and taken the bold step 12 months ago of awarding him and his lieutenants new contracts to run until 2020 despite the failure to win any silverware of note.
When asked if there would be change, Ritchie said: “Absolutely. We’ve spent a lot of time looking forward over the last two to three years and now we need to look at what we need to do next.
“But we need to be clear that this is not a time for knee-jerk reaction. It’s not a time to rush into things.”
