Andy Robinson made his pitch to become England’s next full-time head coach by insisting the champions could do what no side has done before and successfully defend the World Cup in France in 2007.
Robinson is currently acting England head coach following the resignation of Clive Woodward last week.
But the former flanker, previously Woodward’s deputy, insisted he had no qualms about stepping up to the top job full-time saying: ”I am going to do it my way,” after being appointed so far for the November Tests at Twickenham against Canada, South Africa and Australia.
”We can win the World Cup and that’s the challenge because no-one has won back-to-back cups. I expect to be involved in the World Cup defence and I want to lead it.
”It’s an honour to do the job and I will be doing it my way.”
England have lost five of their last six Tests and Robinson added: ”We need to become the number one country in the world again. We became a bit narrow and there was a burden caused by the fear of losing.”
Robinson is due to have an interview with a selection panel headed by former England centre John Spencer next week.
But with former England internationals Rob Andrew, now Newcastle director of rugby, and his Gloucester counterpart Nigel Melville all but ruling themselves out of the England job, Robinson looks increasingly likely to land the prize.
Several England players have retired from Test rugby since the World Cup with captain Lawrence Dallaglio calling it a day last week.
But Robinson said he was looking forward to working with younger players.
”It’s an exciting challenge and the key is the enthusiasm you bring to it,” he continued.
That spark was missing during England’s (northern) summer tour where they suffered heavy defeats against New Zealand (twice) and Australia.
And Robinson, speaking at England’s training base here on Tuesday, south-west of London, said: ”In the summer the belief went, it slacked off. It’s about getting back to a winning mentality… My driving ambition is to win and that’s always been my passion in any sport where England compete.”
Woodward quit last week criticising the structure of English rugby, saying he did not have enough time with the players.
His comments angered the directors of rugby at the 12 English Premiership clubs.
They had recently signed up to an agreement that guaranteed the England management 50 days with the players in the lead-up to the 2007 World Cup, in France, compared to the 35 days they had over the same four year cycle preceding last year’s edition.
Robinson stressed he wanted to work with, not against, his club counterparts.
”Relationships have to be created and the only way to do that is by talking not through third parties. I’m confident in the way I can work with people.”
Dallaglio’s retirement leaves England looking for a new skipper ahead of their Test match against Canada on November 6.
Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, whose late drop-goal won the World Cup for England last November, is the favourite.
Robinson though said Wilkinson was just one of several options.
”Jonny Wilkinson is an influential player and an integral part of the team. So is Will Greenwood, while Richard Hill has led the team in the past very well on and off the pitch. Phil Vickery is another of the young guys who could do the job.” – Sapa-AFP