Smith puts England in attack mode
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30
Big boss: New England manager Martin Johnson
Brian Smith has wasted no time in going on the offensive, saying that England - traditionally known for their stodgy, forward-orientated game - will be one of the most expansive outfits during the year-end internationals in November.
Smith, who was recruited by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as attack coach under new team manager Martin Johnson, is confident he will provide England with a cutting edge missing from their game.
Smith, speaking on the RFU's weekly podcast, believes expansive rugby will give England the winning edge.
"I want us to threaten the defensive line from every position," he said in outlining his intentions.
"Players want to play an exciting and expansive brand of rugby and they want to win. I believe we can do both those things and that's the sort of game I'm interested in coaching."
And the former Australia and Ireland flyhalf promised: "Things won't happen overnight, but they certainly will happen.
"By the end of the November internationals there will be an England style of game in place that players will have to fit into. Hopefully that's an expansive, attacking approach that's also very effective."
Smith wasted no time getting stuck in, spending his first day at Twickenham analysing the impact that the Experimental Law Variations have had in the Southern Hemisphere.
"With the new ELVs there's a lot happening at the moment. I spent my first day going through footage of the Tri-Nations and Currie Cup games looking at the way teams are deciding to attack and defend under these new laws," he explained.
"With defences now having to stand five metres back, clearly there's a bigger opportunity to get 'go forward' from the scrum. That's what the game is about – getting over gain line.
"Outside of the new scrum law, the biggest challenge is what to do from line-out now you can have as many players as you like. It's interesting times for those who are students of the game."
In his last role, as Director of Rugby at London Irish, Smith built up a reputation as an innovator and under him the Exiles' team was arguably the most exciting in the Guinness Premiership.
The first test of the new management team - which also features defensive strategist Mike Ford and forwards coach John Wells - will come in four home Tests against the Pacific Islands, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in November.
After the dismal recent performances on tour in New Zealand, which England lost 20-37 and 12-44, there was an outcry for fresh ideas and Smith is believed to be the man to provide those.
