As the rugby world builds towards the Six Nations, Sport360’s Andrew Binner looks at the England’s players to watch out for, proposes a tournament overhaul and analyses UAE Rugby’s financial boost.
Scotland’s quick fix may have damaging long-term affect
According to the statistics, Scotland were the top-performing side from the Northern Hemisphere at the World Cup, and their fans should rightly feel excited ahead of the Six Nations.
While Vern Cotter’s playing structures have played a key role in this rejuvenation, it was the foreign talent Cotter imported to execute these tactics that are the route cause for improved results.
What a signing @hardhorse44 is turning out to be, a massive part of the reason why we retained the #1872cup pic.twitter.com/jxcVYjgy9r
— Edinburgh Rugby Fan (@EdinburghFan) January 3, 2016
In the short-term players, fans and stakeholders are all happy. But has the New Zealander set a dangerous precedent that could damage the national team’s identity in the long run?
Last weekend Edinburgh took to the field with only two Scottish-born forwards in their starting line-up.
While Kiwi-born flanker John Hardie looks in particular to be a real asset, it remains hopeful that Cotter will employ a business model similar to Saracens’, where experienced foreign stars have been gradually usurped by top-notch, local academy players.
Time for a Six Nations overhaul
For some reason the Six Nations is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious sports tournaments.
As a self-professed adherent to this notion, this scribe can only suggest it is the historical venues or perhaps the ancient Celtic/Gallic rivalries that stir up such a romantic affinity, because the rugby is average at best.
In 2000, Italy were admitted to the tournament as a reward for their encouraging performances below the top tier and to revitalize a format that had become a little stale.
That is our first upset of #RWC #TONvGEO and @RugbyGEO_ have their first ever victory! #well done #rugbyunited pic.twitter.com/gDjUX6XDZy
— #RugbyNewZealand (@RugbyNZ_) September 19, 2015
Sixteen years on and most rugby fans would agree that while the Six Nations did receive a boost with a new venue, the Italians have made such little progress that it is time for another change. It is time for the Six Nations to introduce a promotion and relegation system.
Like Italy at the turn of the Millennium, Romania and Georgia have proved their worth and competitive capability at the World Cup and now deserve their chance to succeed where Italy have not. Who knows? The threat of relegation may encourage Italy (and the other teams) to play to their potential on a consistent basis.
Three players England must pick for Six Nations
One look at Eddie Jones’ England coaching line-up will tell you this is a man that chooses form over reputation and he must now employ the same ethos to his first playing squad.
If England are to rediscover their once devastating offensive edge, three players that must be selected are Saracens hooker Jamie George, Sale Sharks 10 Danny Cipriani and Wasps centre Elliot Daly.
George is an England captain in the making and at 25 has experience well beyond his years, having played in front of sell-out crowds at Twickenham and Wembley. He is mobile, resilient and accurate in the line-out – all traits of his mentors John Smit and Schalk Brits.
“We virtually open the stadium every day for him.” Is Cipriani ready for England? https://t.co/0ZjIpPfl7T pic.twitter.com/UJxJvimUIu
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 4, 2016
It is fair to say that Cipriani has been his worst enemy and his off-the-field antics have stalled his international progress. However, the fly-half has rediscovered his creative flair at Sale and deserves his chance to provide an alternative threat to that of George Ford and Owen Farrell.
Daly is Mr. Consistent. At outside centre he has combined rock solid defence with exquisite running lines that see him break the gain line with alarming ease every week. With Jonathan Joseph’s injury woes almost a foregone conclusion, Daly looks set for a bright future.
Parisians racing for unlikely glory
At long last it looks like Racing 92 President Jacky Lorenzetti may see a tangible return for his significant investment into the Parisian rugby club.
The real estate magnate has overseen a meteoric rise up through the French leagues, but in recent seasons his team have failed to produce the sort of results their star-studded roster deserves.
#OnRefaitLeMatch La belle action de filou de @SzarzewskiDim2 pour traverser les lignes #Top14 @UBBrugby @Racing92 pic.twitter.com/betNJq3ouf
— Le Beau Rugby (@LeBeauRugby) January 4, 2016
However, the recruitment team seem to have finally got it right with Dan Carter, who last weekend submitted a wet-ground fly-half master class, as Racing overcame Bordeaux Begles to climb to the summit of the Top-14.
French rugby form can be a particularly fickle mistress, but with DC at the helm in his World Cup-winning form, the omens are good for Lorenzetti lifting that elusive piece of silverware.
Sponsorship deal signifies bright future for Emirati rugby
While most institutions in UAE command vast financial clout, the national rugby team has to work somewhat harder to persuade businesses to invest in its potential, being a far minor sport in the region compared to football.
However, with several domestic leagues now in operation and a recent emphasis towards the development of local, grass roots playing talent, investment is starting to flow thick and fast.
UAE’s most promising young rugby talents are united for the 43rd UAE National Day ahead of the @Dubai7s pic.twitter.com/mKEz23oTIi
— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) December 1, 2014
HSBC on Friday renewed their sponsorship of UAE Rugby’s Player Pathway Programme (PPP) for a further three years, while Land Rover was also unveiled as the programme’s co-principal partner.
These structures have so far reached over 6,800 Emirati children across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai and are vital in developing new talent for the national sides, while providing an alternative sport for children to play at school.
With a new coaching structure in place and no financial burden, the future looks bright for Emirati rugby.
Extra time
When top players are recruited by French clubs, many fans only see the player’s pay cheque and forget the amount of pressure on them to justify the hefty price tag. It is hard enough to stand out in a winning team, but the pressure is even greater when a player is brought in to a basement club. All of which means that Conrad Smith’s try for Pau was a moment of pure genius from the New Zealand centre against Toulon. Whether he and Ma’a Nonu are still on speaking terms is unconfirmed.
