Kevin Sinfield warns ‘jobs are under threat’ if England fail to improve and picks FIVE rugby league backs who could succeed in union
England coach Kevin Sinfield looking on.
England skills and kicking coach Kevin Sinfield has warned that the Red Rose must improve otherwise changes will be made after a disappointing Autumn Nations Series campaign that yielded only a single victory over Japan.
England were defeated by southern hemisphere nations New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at Twickenham, before recording a 59-14 win over the Brave Blossoms in their final match at home.
In 2024 England have managed just five victories from 12 games, a run that has seen them fall down to seventh place in the World Rugby rankings and pressure increase.
Need to improve
Sinfield, a member of Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff, has frankly admitted that results need to improve in the upcoming Six Nations otherwise coaches and players will be moved on.
“We’ve got to be better, otherwise your jobs are under threat and you expect what’s coming is going to come,” the 44-year-old said at a speaking event in Bradford on Thursday night.
“When you look at those first two games in particular – we played New Zealand and Australia – and there were some really fine margins in both.
“If we kick the goal in the first game against New Zealand, then we win with the last kick of the game.
“In the game against Australia, we went in front with a minute to go and drop the kick-off. If we catch that kick-off and kick the ball out then we win, so it’s a very different story and very different outlook on what the series looks like.
“But as we all know – if you don’t get those little moments right at the end of games – then you fall short and that’s what happened.
“I’ve love working for my country and I look forward what’s to come in the Six Nations, but we’ve got to be better and I don’t shy away from that.
Sinfield spent his whole playing career in rugby league with Leeds Rhinos, apart from a brief 18-game spell in rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015-2016, before retiring and moving into coaching.
Former NRL star Joseph Suaalii sent the rugby world into meltdown this month with his brilliant debut performance for the Wallabies in their thrilling 42-37 win against England.
League talent
Sinfield believes a number of English rugby league outside backs could make a successful transition to the 15-man code if they desired.
He named England international wingers Ash Handley and Matty Ashton, as well centre Harry Newman, as players who could cross codes.
He also suggested England captain and Warrington half-back, George Williams, as well as St Helens full-back Jack Welsby, as other stars who have the skills and talent to make it in rugby union.
By John Davidson
