By Mitch Phillips
LONDON Jan 25 (Reuters) – England’s caretaker coach
Stuart Lancaster will apply for the job on a permanent basis but
his approach to the Six Nations championship will be fully
focused on what is best for the long-term success of his team.
Lancaster is one of three new coaches and three new captains
going into the competition, which had its official launch in
London on Wednesday ahead of the Feb. 4 opening matches.
He has already made a good impression as he bids to clean up
England’s act off the pitch and bring some verve to their play
following their disappointing World Cup campaign.
England are defending champions but World Cup runners-up
France are the bookmakers favourites under new boss Philippe
Saint-Andre.
Wales, who impressed so many in New Zealand last year, are
second-favourites but have suffered a setback with coach Warren
Gatland announcing that key prop Gethin Jenkins will miss their
first two games with a knee injury.
Jacques Brunel, taking over Italy’s reins from Nick Mallett,
completes the trio of new coaches.
Scotland’s Ross Ford and Paul O’Connell – standing in for
the injured Brian O’Driscoll – are new captains while England’s
replacement for the retired Lewis Moody has yet to be decided.
Lancaster confirmed he would formally apply for the
permanent coach role before the mid-February deadline but said
the tournament was not about him.
Continued…
