Lancaster Brings Feel-good Factor Back to RFU | Thebigtip

The appointment of the popular Stuart Lancaster as interim head coach of England has provided the nation with a massive boost ahead of the upcoming Six Nations tournament due to get underway in February.

Following a strong showing in the competition last season in which they lifted the trophy, the string of debacles that blighted their 2011 World Cup campaign meant that rebuilding would have to start from the very top. 
 
Lancaster is understood to be a popular choice to take over the reins on a short-term basis until the RFU can begin their search for a permanent coach at the end of the Six Nations. Lancaster however, is understood to have his eye on the job for more than just the next few months.  Those looking at the rugby odds online will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
 
And why shouldn't he? He walks into a job which, thanks to the previous regime's mismanagement of both players and tactics, offers a win-win scenario. The truth is that the supporters are so keen to see some expansive and free-flowing rugby after the stuttering and tight approach adopted by Martin Johnson that results almost don't matter. The pressure is off, and with them, the chains. 
 
From now until the end of the tournament, it is Lancaster's head on the block rather than theirs, and with any future coach likely to bring in his own players, tactics and staff, the squad of thirty that begin the defence of their crown in 2012 need only worry about the five games ahead of them rather than their long-term futures. 
 
Realistically Lancaster only stands a chance of keeping the job permanently if he successfully defends the Six Nations title. However, with so many candidates vying for the job, the players can simply concentrate on getting back to what they do best: winning, and winning well.