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ArmchairGeneral says...

They want to keep it to 3 wise men. Catts defensive mind is fine. It was his body that got bulldozed at 18 yrs by Lomu at his peak. he'll probably be fine in defence coaching with the Sarries boys to chip in. Bring on the tour!

Posted 21:50 02nd May 2012

StunTheMullet says...

Dreams were always free.

Posted 02:30 02nd May 2012

hydarnes09 says...

Now we have the attack/backs coach, maybe its time think about the english defense?

David ellis helped france to the final just on the defense, maybe his worth a look into?!

Posted 22:34 01st May 2012

hydarnes09 says...

Now we have the attack/backs coach, maybe its time think about the english defense?

David ellis helped france to the final just on the defense, maybe his worth a look into?!

Posted 19:54 01st May 2012

Bones7 says...

Catt is an excellent choice. Trying to get Wayne Smith was a bit of a long shot I thought and I doubt Catt will be upset to be considered second choice to a bloke of his calibre so early into his coaching career. I see Catt as one of England's last real thinking backs and he had a proper rugby brain a bit like Will Greenwood. He stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the beefy Tindall and Cohen and effective but robotic Wilkinson. Good luck to him!

Posted 18:28 01st May 2012

APV1 says...

@ martinmarais78 - I think there were many players, English and others, who felt the "Lomu Effect"! But Catt's not there as defence coach (although his defence against most was excellent and Lomu was an hitherto unexpect force in world rugby when he ran over the whole English team), he's there as backs coach.

And, in fairness, our defence hasn't been an issue. With Farrell, Barritt and Tuilagi, we're pretty solid. It's the expansive, fast-flowing, heads-up (any more cliches, anyone?) rugby he's there to direct. And he was an awesome player in his pomp, without whom we categorically would not have won the RWC in 2003.

Posted 17:28 01st May 2012

martinmarais78 says...

Yea, teach them how you 'tackled' Lomu...

Posted 16:41 01st May 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

Chancer, Lancaster is strong on selection but Catt will get a say.

Catts positivity and smart attacking brain plus his need to prove himself and freshness and his loyalty to England make him the best option.

Defence... Hopefully Farrell can advise from the sidelines and via his son. Unmentioned contract: "select my son and my out of hours advice comes for free".

Posted 15:41 01st May 2012

Jediboy says...

Heart_of_oak - Lawes is out of SA tour. Shin problem I believe.

Posted 15:27 01st May 2012

Jediboy says...

Good luck to England and Catt. SA should be an exciting tour.

Posted 14:49 01st May 2012

Chancer says...

Smith was never going to come, his heart was obviously not in it, whether family reasons or loyalty to NZ rugby. I just hope that Mike Catt has a voice in selection rather than trying to coach the wrong players, but it is a step in the right direction. RFU must give young English coaches support and opportunities. All those that might blogg that MC is SA please shut up!

Posted 14:20 01st May 2012

daibok says...

APV1 - we wouldnt dream of it. Although pointing this out is surely not trolling?

Posted 14:04 01st May 2012

heart_of_oak says...

Of course there will be the inevitable anti England stuff. I'm trying to ignore all the endless baiting. But for me, Smith was the best man for the job. Lancaster himself pretty much said this. Totally understand Smith's reasons. Catt however will be tagged as the second choice. Bit of a shame. If England can string together some attractive games in which there's plenty of attack on display, then that tag will lose some of its credence.

To any Saints fans out there, what's the word on Courtney Lawes ? Will he be fit to go on the SA tour ?

Posted 14:03 01st May 2012

makemehappy says...

Worth a try. Not in Smith's league of course, but worth a try.

Posted 13:21 01st May 2012

APV1 says...

A long-term option..?

I hope so!

(Bring on the "He's a Saffa!" trolls, eh?!)

Posted 12:56 01st May 2012

JamieTheProp says...

So Smith isn't coming - while you couldn't turn your nose up at an obviously excellent coach the reality is he doesn't want to come so we should concentrate on young English coaches who can grow with the team.

The one advantage is that when we enjoy success again nobody can say it is a Kiwi who has given it to us!

Exciting times with or without Smith!

Come on England (and Catt)

Posted 12:43 01st May 2012

stumpy says...

With Wayne Smith rejecting the offer, I think Catt is a good choice. London Irish may be one of the most failing teams in the preimership in relation to the talent of their players, but they can DEFINATLEY score tries.

Posted 12:36 01st May 2012

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