Pressure: Chris Ashton
England coach Stuart Lancaster believes that Chris Ashton still warrants selection despite being criticised for a lack of form.
Ashton was one of England's try scorers in the opening Six Nations match against Scotland, but has since struggled to cross the whitewash.
Having racked up 15 tries in his first 18 Tests, the Saracens winger now only has two in his last 16 appearances.
"I don't think Chris has been given any special favours," said Lancaster.
"I don't buy the fact that he is badly out of form. No player had an error-free game on Sunday. Chris did what Chris does well and got into a position where a tip-on pass from Mike Brown would have seen him in under the posts.
"Most wingers would not get themselves in positions to do those things. He didn't quite get across the line but sometimes it is not his fault.
"We certainly did dip in effectiveness at the weekend but we did create opportunities. Finishing is the issue."
Comments
Jediboy says...
There's no doubt that when on form he's a prolific try scorer. But he's rarely looking like scoring at the moment, but I appreciate that's not all his fault.
But a player like CAshton needs to be scoring to stay in favour with the fans.
His positional play in defence, along with his tackling is a massive issue for me, in that regard he is not good enough. But I respect SLs decision and he knows a lot more than I do. Hope Ashton repays the faith shown in him.
Posted 12:07 12th March 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
Stu, our back three is poor.
I don't expect changes in round five. it would be a total gamble, but I'd be disappointed if Ashton and Goode are around in November. Mike Brown has the best chance of staying because his work rate is the best in the entire world, nobody comes close to the effort he puts in, having said that, I'd still think players the best fullbacks / wingers are the ones that can score tries and Mike Brown doesn't score tries. Black and white, that¿s what wins games.
Its ironic that England finally gets a dangerous midfield together and we now have a toothless back three. Ashton can¿t tackle, the stats prove his the worst tackler in the England team so just pick Christian wade or Tom Varndell and even if the defence doesn¿t improve at least they'll be cancelling out the odd try with tries of their own.
Lancaster is falling into the trap of butting heads with media selections and picking players out of bloodymindedness. It's a battle head coaches can never win. Just look at what Kidney is going through right now.
Anyway, lets see what happens in Cardiff. England may win it playing ten man rugby. It'll come down to the pack and who manages the game best I reckon. Last think we want it Goode, ashton and brown, doing a will carling in the 1991 rwc. This English back three can't play that way.
Posted 12:00 12th March 2013
Centre12 says...
is Tom Varndell out of form as well being the premierships top try scorer???
Posted 11:58 12th March 2013
chubbylugs says...
he probably is the least liked person in rugby atm, by both english and other supporters. he doesnt help himself the way he struts about carrying carpets. i dont really care about the swan dives as most teams have a swan diver in their ranks. ifhe's swan diving then he's scoring. we havent seen it for a while!
my issue with ashton is his defensive awareness. he only seems to be able to tackle a player head on under a high ball. he gets stood up too easily and gives too much space outside and looks slow closing down. he clearly isnt short of gas however
the question is whether george north will run over him? - i dont think that type of player is ashtons weakness. i think he'll be fine. its quick players with good footwork that are his downfall. in attack, he hasnt really had the ball
this is SL publically backing him one more time. if he fails to deliver then i think we'll see some new faces come the summer
Posted 11:03 12th March 2013
Fonzarelli says...
Have to agree with lawynd, but England are having issues generally due to the faith Lancaster has displayed not being fully returned. Ashton isn't improving the team, but England haven't helped his cause by failing to dominate regardless of his poor form. Certain times he has been at fault, but so has Goode and a few others. Realistically SL cannot through 5 changes when a GS is on the line, but at any other time I'd say it is what is needed.
England lack disguise in midfield that seemed to come against NZ from Goode, and against Scotland from 12T. Without it, it's easy to see which runner to pick up. The back row also lacks a bit of balance. We lack gain line power provided by Morgan against NZ and Scotland, and in his absence, really we need Billy Vunipola, despite his sometimes lethargic play. Finally, we DO need sharp, incisive wingers, that means May/Varndell and Wade, with Brown moved to his natural position What they might lack in experience and defence, they'll more than make up in opportunities actually finished off for a change.
I admire the loyalty SL has shown to new/developing players, but sometimes you have to realise when something is not quite working and you need to return to the drawing board.
Posted 11:01 12th March 2013
bloggo says...
and the prize for the slowest back three in world rugby goes to....
you guessed it.
Posted 10:38 12th March 2013
ste490 says...
He only ever looked good because Foden made it so. Without Fodes, Ashton is lost and ineffective! Woeful in defence as he always was at Saints!
Posted 10:37 12th March 2013
lawynd says...
I think this is the first time I've vehemently disagreed with Lancaster. Whether or not he's out of form is largely immaterial - he currently adds nothing to the team on attack or defence and is in fact a liability on the latter. You cannot afford to carry players and that's just what we're doing with Ashton; other players are doing his defensive duties (there's a reason Italy and France had so much joy down that flank) and he looks to be one of the slowest backs on the field.
Drop him, Stuart.
Posted 10:07 12th March 2013