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Ford: Don't expect an England World Cup hangover

By Online Editors
England's George Ford watches on after being replaced in the Rugby World Cup final.

George Ford insists England will not suffer from a World Cup hangover when the Six Nations kicks off next month.

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England will open their tournament against France in Paris on February 2 as they bid to reclaim the title they last won in 2017.

The tournament will mark the first for Eddie Jones’ side since their impressive World Cup campaign ended with a limp defeat to South Africa in the final.

But fly-half Ford, who has won 65 Test caps, has demanded that the disappointment of Japan must act as a springboard to future success.

“It is not a hangover, let’s instead be excited about getting better,” Ford, 26, told the PA news agency.

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“I can see that is what people will say, but it is our responsibility to make sure that is not the case. I am sure Eddie will make sure that is not the case, too.

“Let’s use the experiences we have gained from Japan, and use the things we did well, and use the things we could have done better at.

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“Of course there are times when you sit back and reflect, but instead of thinking it is a clean slate, and let’s start again, we are going to build on what happened at the World Cup, and we are actually going to get better. That has to be the mindset.”

Ahead of the Six Nations, Jones, who names his squad for the tournament on Monday, has revamped his backroom staff, announcing this week the appointments of England Sevens boss Simon Amor and former South African coach Matt Proudfoot.

Amor will oversee the attack as successor to Scott Wisemantel, while Proudfoot, who played a key role in South Africa’s defeat of England in November, takes charge of the forwards.

Jones’ own future as head coach remains uncertain with the 59-year-old Australian out of contract next year.

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But Ford, speaking on behalf of Land Rover, strongly hinted that he hopes Jones extends his stint in charge.

“I have absolutely loved working under Eddie for the last four years,” said Ford, who recently agreed a contract extension with Leicester Tigers.

“The way everything is never the same, the way we are always trying to improve, the way we train, and the way we prepare. Our tactical clarity going into games is the best I have ever been exposed to.

“That constantly challenges you as a player, and as an individual which is great because you always want to get better.”

*George Ford is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover shares the values of rugby. Visit LandRover.co.uk

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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