Admittedly he’d done about 1,000 interviews before us, but nonetheless, good chap that he is, Brian Ashton took time for one more with the world’s best rugby website. Once he’d finished with them, he spoke to us straight after...
How great is it to be England coach?
It’s fantastic, it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be a national coach in any sport. So the fact it’s one of the big sports in England makes it a fantastic experience and hopefully it will continue to be so.
Ever think you’d become England coach?
No, not at all. I thought this had passed me by when I finished with England in 2002. I really never expected to be in this situation that I am now so I’m really enjoying it.
You must get excited about the Six Nations?
Of course I do, to play at Twickenham is a great experience in itself but this year we go to really good cathedrals of rugby in Europe – Murrayfield, Stade de France, Stadio Flamino. All of them are different experiences and present their different challenges and excitement. I cannot understand how people can fail to enjoy the Six Nations, it’s a fabulous tournament. It’s really unpredictable this year as always – as national coach you just hope you’re not at the wrong end of it.
Do you see each clash as a battle with your opposite number?
Not really, I’m not one to look at things like that. Without sounding arrogant – because that’s the last thing I am – but I don’t worry about other teams, I just focus on what we’re doing and that we’re playing and developing in the way we want to.
Happy with your squad?
I think there’s a nice balance to it – a real wealth of experience in certain areas and some very talented young players coming through in parts.
How good is the talent coming through?
From the time when I was national academy manager out of the first 16 players that came through nine of them are in this squad and the other seven are close. These guys aren’t just knocking on the door, they’re trying to kick it down. Having that kind of competition is fantastic for the guys in possession of the shirts because it gives them the right kind of incentive to raise their game.
Wales first up, good start…
It’s brilliant, England v Wales has been one of the world’s top fixtures over the years. Wales have got a massive incentive this year with a new coaching staff in place and following what was a disappointing World Cup by their standards. They’ve also not beaten us at Twickenham for a years – so you name it, it’s in the mix for this weekend. This kind of game really stirs things up for the players.
Guess it makes you miss playing?
Hell yeah, there’s no substitute for playing. Coaching isn’t remotely a substitute for playing in any way.
You must be glad you didn’t have too many retirements after the World Cup?
We’ve had four very senior players go, which takes a lot of experience away from us but there’s a lot still in the squad. And I think the decision made by those who have left is probably the right one at the right time. It’ll eb interesting now to see how the players in the middle do now, those with about 35 or so caps – will they make the step up into the more experienced player role and fill the leadership roles that have been left…
Do you feel under pressure as favourites?
Doesn’t bother me at all, I know where I want to take England – we’ve got real clarity when it comes to where we want to get to and we’ve got no timeline on it. If we start doing that and don’t make it we’ve failed and that’s ridiculous – we almost had that at the World Cup. We know there are expectations out there, we can’t hide from that, we’re favourites for every tournament – and it’s doubly so this year as we got to the final of the World Cup!