jamesliveinhope says...

@dingbat32 - I suspect that that's the point of employing a coaching team. "Fur coat and no knickers" I've met that lady in 1996 and I have to say, she was a winner in my book.

Posted 19:27 13th August 2012

Dingbat32 says...

lawynd,

Attacking well and not winning is worth nothing. All fur coat and no knickers!

Posted 22:57 11th August 2012

lawynd says...

@Dingbat32 - your opinion is irrelevant given that you appear to have either not realised or forgotten that Catt has been coaching for about five years now, and London Irish, whilst not the best team in the AP, attack very well. Why don't you wind your neck in instead sunshine? As has been noted in the Matt Stevens thread (I'm wondering if it's just that you plonkers can't stand anyone being successful up north perhaps?), you don't get 75 caps for your country if you're chopped liver.

Posted 17:55 10th August 2012

Dingbat32 says...

APV1 and lawynd,

You do realise that winning a world cup medal is an indication of being part of a good team and not for individual talent? Although a world cup winner in 2003, there were at least 10 better centres than him at that world cup.

And it certainly doesnt mean he will be any good as a coach. The fact that Jonny Wilkinson rates Catt highly is hardly an endorsement either, because although massively talented, Jonny was never known for his attacking skills!

Most importantly, wind your necks in - Catt did spend many years playing exactly as I describe. He got his act together and peaked around 2003 WC.

Posted 15:54 10th August 2012

jamesliveinhope says...

@armchairgeneral - "aggregation of marginal gain" so lauded as the main reason for GB cycling's success is pretty well the same philosophy that a significant number of posters on this site have always taken the mickey out of SCW for trying to implement, the lack of support for which was the main reason for him parting company with the RFU.

Posted 10:22 10th August 2012

lawynd says...

@FISH and dingbat32 - Mike Catt has a World Cup winner's medal, more than most in the game can say. Certainly more than you cretins are ever likely to manage.

Posted 20:24 09th August 2012

BMakka8 says...

I mean should NOT be allowed anywhere near a ball

Posted 14:22 09th August 2012

JamieTheProp says...

Well it is all coming to the boil quite nicely!

Again for November two wins would be fantastic - not too much pressure and another step forward in the playing style, patterns and quality. Plus the new coaching team gaining valuable experience.

I would hope that Fiji would be a win and then one of either Australia (who I didn't think looked amazing in the summer against Wales) or South Africa. Formidable teams but we do have home advantage...

New Zealand - absolutely no chance! But then who does at the moment?

I think then going into the 6 Nations we should be able to start expecting a good level of performance and wins. I am not saying that we will beat Wales and France (they are still ahead of us in development terms) but no team should have an easy game against us. We should certainly be pushing for a win and be in the mix.

Exciting times!

Be great to see us competing with the best in Europe and the SH again - lots of work to do before we are but at least we are moving in the right direction.

Posted 13:38 09th August 2012

Dingbat32 says...

If Catt coaches like he plays then Englands backs will be running sideways like startled crabs most of the time, with the occasional high speed line break flattering to deceive.

Posted 12:30 09th August 2012

rugby_rockstar says...

Way too early to judge Mike. the SA tour was a case of bedding in. the autumn tests will be when he starts implimenting ideas. We probably won't see his full influence on the team until next year's 6 nations.

Catt loves his wide game and his miss passes were fast and laser-guided. If that means getting our 11, 13, 14, and 15 into the game then I can't wait. Sure, there'll be detractors but you can pigeonhole them in the "Bitter because they've achieved sod all in their own lives and are envious of anyone who's done better than them" category.

Posted 09:58 09th August 2012