The Contenders for the England Job

Yesterday I had a look at how the incumbent Head Coach Stuart Lancaster had fared thus far during his brief reign in charge. Today it's the turn of the contenders. Among them are Nick Mallett, Wayne Smith, John Kirwan, Vern Cotter and a few Englishmen thown into the hat too! Namely Jim Mallender and Dean Ryan. Dean Richards could possibly have been a contender too if it hadn't been for the furore of 'Bloodgate' and the consequent smear still attached to his name, but has been consequently ignored.

Nick Mallett

Evolution or a backwards step?

Mallett has all the credentials. Well respected around the world he has coached not one but two international teams already. His record with South Africa was excellent and he still holds the record for most International games won in a row during his time there. His record with Italy....well patchy, but that's to be expected really. A fair few of his decisions didn't come off (Bergamasco at scrum half...what the hell was that all about???) but then he had to do something to bring them closer to the rest of the competitors and clearly some players just weren't up to it. As they say, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. At least Mallet notched up some historic victories such as over France during last years 6 Nations. Personally though as much as I admire the guy I don't see appointing Mallett as progress. Fine coach that he is...he is known more for setting up teams to play forward orientated 10 man rugby. England know how to do this already...we need some creativity! Having said that...if rumours are to be true, Mallett may be applying for the job with Wayne Smith as his assistant. This sounds more appetising for English fans. Wayne Smith would bring vast technical knowledge and intellectual property from his time as All Blacks assistant coach (he also coached the All Blacks at the beginning of the decade before resigning).

Wayne Smith

Does he really want it?

Wayne Smith is a great coach and he can work well with English players. His stint at Northampton Saints proved that. However, he has ruled himself out in the media thus far and the position of head coach doesn't seem a good fit. He claimed in New Zealand that "the job description was waffly and looked like it was for the head of a PR company rather than a rugby coach." That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement. Plus Wayne Smith doesn't exactly have a good history with dealing with the pressures of being an International Head Coach. Despite a respectible record with the All Blacks as head coach, his final move was to resign citing the unease he felt in the top job and the stress he could do without. He's a fine tactician but the English media can treat you like a dog and they might just get the better of him. The RFU has to take that into consideration. Any viewers of Martin Johnson's dealings with the press can tell you that the media obligations can defintely take a toll. As mentioned earlier...a position more in the background behind Nick Mallett remains perhaps a more plausible possibility and one which few could or would argue against.

John Kirwan

Too early for JK?

John Kirwan's name has been trumpeted by some pundits as a man to bring some new energy to the England Head Coach position. It's difficult to assess JK's credentials though. A player at the top level and once new Zealand's golden boy, he has coached Italy and Japan at international level too. With those positions though comes limited pressure, intensity and ultimately expectations. He seems to get his teams to play with a bit of pace and flair (Japan were a genuine delight to watch at the World Cup in NZ), but were are the results??? Maybe that is a bit harsh on the work he has done with lesser nations as it would be difficult to do much more with the players he has had at his disposal, but as of the moment he remains an unknown quantity. I believe that JK perhaps needs a little more time and possibly to have a few years in the hotseat as head coach in a European competition or in Super Rugby. If he succeeds, he will have really earned the right to a top job.

Vern Cotter

Is Cotter a big enough name?

Cotter has had success in his native New Zealand with Cantebury, before turning his attention to the attritional warefare that is french rugby. He has managed to transform Clermont Auvergne into a real powerhouse having forged a consistently successful side and leading them to a historic 1st title in the Top 14. Cotter may not be the big name that English fans want....but could be an excellent coach for them. He also has a real hunger which maybe Mallett and Smith may not have quite as much of. After all, Wayne Smith has just won the World Cup...does he really want this job right now??? Cotter is an outside bet for the job but don't be surprised to hear his name mentioned when the time comes. He is sure to get a position in and International coaching team at some point in the future.

Dean Ryan/ Jim Mallender

Well I don't think either of these two have much hope for the job really. Ryan has personally ruled himself out of contention as he doesn't believe the current set up at the RFU is right, and its hard to disagree with him really. Having Rob Andrew above your head calling shots sems ridiculous. Mallender was talked about but you would have to say that despite (like Lancaster) having experience with the England Saxons...he is yet to really prove that he is a great coach. he has created a strong team at Franklin Gardens but not a team which has dominated and consistently won silverware at the highest level. I don't think it would hurt his chances in the long term to have a few more years with Northampton either and then try and have a real crack at the job.