Danny Cipriani has generated a large amount of support this weekend over comments he’s made about the way the England national side is being coached.
Detailing exactly how he would coach players and what qualities he believes should be ingrained in the players. the former England fly-half appears to have struck a chord with many who follow the men in white.
Taking to Twitter, Cipriani detailed the self-sabotage that he believes is unfolding within the national side.
“English rugby is digging its own grave, led by people that do not understand the art of the game”, Cipriani claimed.
“It’s steeped in tradition and heritage which is out dated and the very thing shackling the game. The game is coached at step 2/3, lowest common denominator. Never step one, game understanding/intelligence, spacial recognition, nuance. It is all how tough can I show to the world I am. Bravado. It will only ever bring a certain level of performance.
In what appears to be a direct attack on the coaching styles, Cipriani called for more dynamism within the ranks.
“Open discussions where coaches welcome new ideas that feel uncomfortable to them because it’s the only way it will grow. Don’t be Sam Allardyce when you can be Pep Guardiola. Attack space in every aspect and build confidence in players decision making not conform to a plan.
“Have a framework but be flexible. All aligned under the vision of someone who you want to follow or have qualities that you admire… knowledge, compassion, passion, emotional intelligence, love, honesty and humility. If you’re trained to think and not to feel you’re always going to be one step behind.”
English rugby is digging its own grave, led by people that do not understand the art of the game. It’s steeped in tradition and heritage which is out dated and the very thing shackling the game. The game is coached at step 2/3, lowest common denominator. Never step one, game…
— Danny Cipriani (@DannyCipriani87) August 20, 2023
Cipriani has had a love/hate affair with national side over the years, with the maverick fly half having to make do with just sporadic appearances during his England days. His playing style was not deemed to fit into former coach Eddie Jones’ side, despite being known for his ability to create space and opportunities like so few others.
Cipriani was keen to emphasise that the point was not being made about the individuals, but instead the styles that have been adopted.
“It doesn’t mean Borthwick isn’t right for the job. He has clearly grown from a player to a coach. He over took a very wooden system left by Eddie. Which is a very tough job to get the players to unlearn what was ingrained in them”.
It doesn’t mean Borthwick isn’t right for the job. He has clearly grown from a player to a coach. He over took a very wooden system left by Eddie. Which is a very tough job to get the players to unlearn what was ingrained in them
— Danny Cipriani (@DannyCipriani87) August 20, 2023
Fans and former players alike appear to share the 35-year-old’s views.
Powerful words Danny, very powerful !
— Will Carling (@willcarling) August 20, 2023
Danny, as an Irish fan you I can say you guys are playing how we played under Joe Schmidt.
England have one of the most outstanding talents in world rugby with Marcus Smith.
He should be given the reigns to shape that attack and given the platform to run the show.
— CC16 (@CCTransfers16) August 20, 2023
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