ENGLAND CAN WIN THE RUGBY
WORLD CUP –
EVEN THOUGH THE
HEAD COACH MARTIN JOHNSON
IS NOT UP TO THE JOB
IT’S time to call in the men in white coats! Yes, I’m going to predict England will come darned close to winning the rugby World Cup! I know, I know, I know what you’re asking – how, given the dreadful showings they have provided so far in the group stage?
Well, the thing is this – the group stage doesn’t matter as long as you win and top the group, even if you stink the place out with terrible rugby. It’s the German way of winning – you get through without hitting form and then it finally all falls into place (with a bit of luck and much improved performances as the players rise to the occasion).
Before you know it, you’re in the semis…and even the final!
OK, the All Blacks – who also have the advantage of the event being played out in New Zealand – have been racking up cricket-like scores in their group games. But what’s the point of peaking early and having nothing in reserve when the going gets tougher? And the Aussies? Well, didn’t they just fluff their lines by losing to the Irish?
So, yes, I think it’s a lot more open a competition than many people think.
And, yes, England can trudge their way onwards and upwards – even with the gormless Martin Johnson at the helm.
‘Johnno’ reminds me of Kevin Keegan when he managed the England football team. All passion, beating of fists on the heart and the shirt – but no tactical nous or inspiration.
Yet whereas the footballers under Keegan were not good enough, the rugby lads under Johnson – I’m thinking of geniuses like Jonny Wilkinson – are exceptional. They can win the cup, or go close, DESPITE Johnson grunting and scratching his head on the sidelines…
Report by FRANK WORRALL.
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