England rugby are going through a sore patch at the moment – there can be no doubt about it. Many rugby avids have their own suggestions on how to improve the quality of play and get those results turning the correct way, many of which different to each other. Well former England fly half Danny Cipriani has had his say.
Responding to the suggestions that England need to become a ‘nasty team’ once again, Cipriani explained how that would take the game backwards. Known for his expressive and intelligent gameplay, Cipriani was keen to emphasise that players need to up their understanding of the game and find enjoyment in it once again:
“This mentality is what will keep holding the game back in this country. We don’t need to find a way to be more niggly and irritating. We need to up skill our game understanding, attacking frameworks and how to run them and get back to enjoying our rugby. From England to the prem.
“The game is played more than one way. Slow, medium and Quick ball are all different ways of playing. Medium and slow are 70% of the game. So have a great framework which creates quick ball and able to attack any space on the field at anytime through Pass Run Kick…
“Attack the space necessary, be ready to do so at any given moment. Prem, there can be disparity in pack sizes and complete dominance. But at international level it’s a lot more even. So how you attack and achieve quick ball is paramount”
Expanding on how a more complete understanding of the game would help, as well as coaches relinquishing control, Cipriani is confident that the national side would flourish:
“With a better understanding of the game. Coaches willing to give up control, you’d see the game change. England create enough talent to be in the top 3/4 consistently. We need to address our culture as a sport in England…
“With a revamp in how we approach the game, the culture within and attacking systems. You’d see a huge difference.”
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