Rugby World Cup 2015

[GeoffreyBoycott]

@Sidney

England really are a smashing bet for the World Cup. They have a very deep squad.

@Manuel_Zelaya

I still have concerns about Coach Lancaster. Napoleon Bonaparte’s observations about a lucky general springs to mind. He still doesn’t measure up to Martin Johnson’s achievements (and that’s just in a managerial not a playing respect). Lancaster despite 4 wins from 5 in each of the past 3 seasons has failed to deliver a Six Nation’s title. Johnno was bizarrely relieved of his managerial duties in 2011 a few short months after he had delivered the most coveted title in international rugby and England had been narrowly eliminated by France in the quarter final of the World Cup - a French side who subsequently lost out 9-8 to New Zealand in a final which the IRB essentially wouldn’t allow New Zealand to lose.

@myboyblue

Johnson was pitied by the players as a coach, a simple yokel who was tolerated due to his legacy as a player. I’m surprised at Manuel here.

@Manuel_Zelaya

Johnno delivered a Championship title in 2011 - England’s only win since Johnno captained them to the Grand Slam in 2003.

Judgement should be reserved on Lancaster until such time as he starts to deliver silverware.

@myboyblue

He delivered nothing. A figurehead who was a laughing stock at that point. You’re embarrassing yourself now.

@Manuel_Zelaya

The man you are calling a laughing stock is one of the greatest figures in the history of rugby, a colossus of the game - captain of a Grand Slam winning side, captain of a World Cup winning side, captain of a British Lions series winning side in South Africa, captain of a Leicester team who were the first side to retain the European Cup and coach of an England championship winning side. Johnno has delivered in spades.

You’re the one embarrassing yourself.

A bit of revaluation over the last few days about Johnno and his contribution as England coach.

World Cup: Stuart Lancaster had 'more than four years of failure'