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England fans' mixed reaction to Warren Gatland's Red Rose rumours
After rumours began to circulate recently that Warren Gatland is the frontrunner to replace Eddie Jones after the World Cup, England fans are not best pleased on Twitter.
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The New Zealander is due to step down from his position as Wales head coach at the end of the year, and it is also unclear as to whether Jones will remain England head coach after the tournament too.
The former Wasps boss has been with Wales for 11 years now, and has had a lot of success. He led them to a Grand Slam in his first year in charge in 2008, and back to back titles in 2012 and 2013, including another Grand Slam in 2012.
On top of that, he has coached the British and Irish Lions twice, earning a series win against Australia and a draw with the All Blacks. This is alongside the three Premiership titles and one Heineken Cup he won when with Wasps.
Despite his impressive record, the majority of England fans seem very unenthusiastic about this possibility. Gatland has garnered a reputation of being quite a defensive coach over the years, playing a direct style of rugby reliant on powerful forwards and backs. While it has not inspired many, it has undoubtedly brought results.
However, Gatland has not done enough during his decade with Wales to win over the English fans, and this is what they have to say:
https://twitter.com/CDBJDurham/status/1097805625566867458
https://twitter.com/colinboag/status/1097796953365196800
https://twitter.com/StTim/status/1097755606964936706
https://twitter.com/sean747butler/status/1097809746755809280
https://twitter.com/KaneMoffat/status/1097649103675318272
https://twitter.com/craigmorley/status/1097621139239723008
No ta! Next
— scott (@bradbchesney3) February 19, 2019
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Nonetheless, there are still some fans that think that this would be a good move. A number of Welsh fans think that England would be lucky to have a manager with the quality of Gatland, contrary to what some other fans are saying, and even some England supporters share these views too.
This suggests that while this bizarre link has been scoffed at by many, it would not be a universally unpopular decision.
This is what they have to say:
https://twitter.com/EddieStephensMD/status/1097712186246324224
https://twitter.com/richlittlebath/status/1097785058226855936
https://twitter.com/MarianEWeadick/status/1097815112734396416
Personally think he'd be perfect for England
— Steffan Thomas (@Steffan_Thomas1) February 19, 2019
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments