Anthony Watson Exclusive Interview: Henry Pollock Has to Start vs Springboks
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"text": "Ahead of this weekend’s opening Rugby Nations Championship fixtures, former England and Lions winger Anthony Watson spoke to Casinolyze.",
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"text": "Watson shared his insights on England's selection dilemmas, his high praise for Rassie Erasmus, and his own past discussions regarding a potential move to the NFL. He also explained why he believes rising star Henry Pollock \"has to\" start against the Springboks this weekend.",
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"text": "What do you make of the uncapped players included in the England squad?",
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"text": "Billy Sela has been a phenomenal talent for Bath and has probably been earmarked as one for the future for English props. Going on a tour campaign like this will be very valuable for his experience and potentially give him the opportunity to force his way into a World Cup squad. From a personal perspective, it’s ideal timing.",
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"text": "Noah Caluori is probably a little bit further down that track with regards to having been in the camp across the Six Nations. He’s completely warranted his position with his unbelievable performances for Saracens this year. Noah has got a skill set that is unlike any of the other wingers in the squad. Yes, he's got areas of his game that need work, but I think he's got a USP that is very different and probably unmatched across world rugby in terms of his aerial capability. He's probably the best aerial winger in England there is; and playing a team like South Africa in South Africa, he has a skill set that can nullify their aerial threat. He's well placed definitely to play a role in this campaign. I'd love to see him get a start; I'd be surprised if it came against South Africa given the high stakes of that game, but definitely against Argentina or Fiji.",
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"text": "And then there’s Bernard Janse van Rensburg; there is so much debate about his eligibility. I don't really have a tough stance on it. The likes of Brad Barritt have done it before. If you make an argument for or against van Rensburg, then I think that you are discrediting a lot of the players who have come before him. And I don't think it's fair. He may have grown up wanting to play for South Africa, but things change when opportunities are presented in front of you. Fans will take a view of it because they're very passionate about their sport and their country. But I don't think you can hold anything against someone who is wanting to experience the highest level of rugby and is also wanting to do what's best for him and his family. So, my stance is fair play to him. If he deserves to play for England and he's the best player for that position, then so be it. That's the way it goes.",
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"text": "It couldn't get more daunting for England on July 4, especially after a pretty miserable Six Nations, can it? How surprised were you at how poor England were and how might they be able to try and turn things around?",
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"text": "I was surprised by the results, and I was surprised at the lack of attacking intent. In the Autumn Nations, England had shown a bit of variability in the way that they can play the game. In my opinion, the criticism has been slightly overdone. But you get that when you play for England and you're coach of England. Everyone expects you to win, and rightly so.",
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"text": "But calls for Steve to go or for others to be dropped were way off. Everyone is extremely irrational when England lose; sometimes you've got to have a bit of patience. And we saw in that last game against France what can be done. I understand that supporting your national team is an emotional experience, but it makes me laugh how quickly people change their tune. I think that they'll take a lot from that France game and show that they can mix it with the very best in the world.",
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"text": "But the big thing for me to highlight is that attacking intent and being able to see that. When an England team is trying to take it to the opposition and they're trying to impose themselves, people will accept a loss, however hard that might be to take, as long as they can see a vision going forward.",
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"text": "In terms of that attacking intent, no club team in England were better at it than Northampton. So, is there an argument for trying to build around that Northampton attack?",
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"text": "There's certainly an argument for it. But I always genuinely believe that for England, you have to pick your best available players. I know that there's a lot to be said about chemistry, but a lot of these guys in the England squad have played together, whether it's in age groups, whether it's for England, or whether it's for previous club teams. They know each other, and the best players make it work regardless. I personally don't think that club combinations automatically transfer to international rugby. I also think that sometimes you're comparing apples with oranges when people talk about club rugby and international rugby. The best players play regardless of which club they’re from.",
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"text": "Where do you stand on Henry Pollock, who finished the club season on a high and seemed to have tempered his antics for the good of his game?",
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"text": "When you talk about Henry Pollock, you have to separate the emotional side of it in terms of how people feel about him and his antics from the actual rugby player. I'm a fan of both, by the way! But when we look at the rugby player and what he actually does on the pitch, then I personally think that he has to start against the Boks. And the reason I say that is because your big players stand up in big games.",
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"text": "And when you have someone like Henry Pollock who has now shown across a semi-final and a final with man of the match performances, that when the pressure's on, he stands up and he goes. For me, that says a lot about the rugby player and his ability to kind of compartmentalise the fixture at hand. So, from man of the match in two straight games to sitting on the bench, that would be a tough pill to swallow. He has to start. And he'll rise to the occasion. Every time he's been questioned ahead of going into hostile environments, he's done well. He's shown that he's a man for the big occasions, and his performances have been unbelievable the last month or so.",
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"text": "He's one of the best things that's happened to rugby in the last two or three years. The game needs players who split opinion, and he does that. But love him or hate him, we'll be tuning in to see him either get filled in or to see him perform and prove people wrong. That is what sport's about; it's about drama. And we need personalities who are going to create drama.",
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"text": "How much pressure might Steve Borthwick find himself under if they lose? England won’t change anything before the next World Cup regardless of results, will they?",
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"text": "There have been many highs and lows with Steve. I am perfectly mature enough to say that I'm biased when it comes to talking about Steve because he brought me to Leicester and he brought me back into the England fold. I think he's an unbelievable coach, as diligent as I've ever seen.",
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"text": "But in terms of the pressures that are on him, the England job is a thankless job. You win and everyone says, ‘Well done but that was to be expected.’ You lose and everyone is calling for your head. It was Eddie Jones who came out and said something like, the England job is just about a matter of time until you get fired.",
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"text": "For Steve, it has to be about trying to keep the performances as good as they can for as long as they can. But Steve is extremely level-headed, and all his focus won't be on him and him keeping his role; it's about the team. He's a massive, massive ‘team first’ guy. His entire focus will be on South Africa at the weekend. All he wants to do is win and win for England.",
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"text": "What do you think he may have learned from the Six Nations experience? It must have been a real sort of shock to the system.",
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"text": "I think the main thing he would have probably looked at is the attack across those three middle games in particular: Scotland, Italy, and Ireland. There weren't too many shots fired from an attacking standpoint and there wasn't any fluidity. The main thing that he's probably taken is to allow a little bit—not freedom, that is the wrong word—but to be less reliant on the structured element of the game and trust the boys to make decisions.",
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"text": "Would you like to see more of a role for Lee Blackett?",
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"text": "Lee Blackett is a ridiculous coach. The way he transformed Bath's attack in such quick time was an achievement as special as I've seen across the Premiership. The international game is very different. Things that work at club rugby just don't work at international rugby. And that's not to say he doesn't have the skill set to be able to do it; he absolutely does.",
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"text": "When you have a defence coach come in immediately, it's easier to make wholesale changes quickly and get people on board because a lot of the fundamentals of defence are based on kind of attitude and work rate, and you can work around it through effort-based principles. Whereas attack is a lot more about technique and understanding. It takes time to bed in. Given time, we'll 100% see it. We saw it against France. So Lee’s prominence will continue to show up, but it takes longer. He is a world-class coach, so there's no two ways about it that he'll get that attack fizzing.",
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"text": "So, realistically do England have a chance in Johannesburg?",
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"text": "No England team will ever go into a game saying that they’re just focused on moving forward. It’s a results-based industry and they want to win. And can they win? Of course they can. Australia showed that South Africa are beatable at altitude at Ellis Park. England will be going into it with confidence that they could get the job done. If England can get the right game plan to nullify South Africa's real threats whilst allowing their game breakers to get into the game, then I think that they definitely can win the game. But South Africa are still favourites, there’s no two ways about that. But England can definitely do it.",
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"text": "Can we read anything into the way the Bulls were smashed by Leinster, or do South African players turn into different animals when playing for their country?",
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"text": "Playing for the Springboks is a completely different kettle of fish. I don't think there'll be any weight put on the Bulls' loss whatsoever. And indeed, for the individuals that played in that game, it may act as a spur to want to perform better.",
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"text": "SA are incredible, aren't they? There are probably 40 international-class players, if not more, in South Africa. You could have three different XVs teams, and you wouldn't notice much difference. It is astonishing. The difference between South Africa and the rest of the world is that they have a second and third choice across every position that doesn't damage them in a significant way. That’s the difference. If you go to New Zealand, for example, if they got down to their fourth-choice center, there'd probably be a bit of concern. South Africa, not the case. They have so much depth across the board that injuries don't impact on them in the same way. Even rotation doesn't affect them the way it does other teams. And that doesn't look like it's slowing down either. Rugby is such a big sport in that country, and the success that they've had looks like it's kind of created a snowball and a real momentum not just for rugby, but sport in general in that country. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, I can't see their talent dipping!",
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"text": "I suppose we can’t overlook the importance of Rassie Erasmus and his impact in all of this?",
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"text": "Definitely. Rassie’s innovative strategies and the versatility that he's creating with his players are second to none—seeing André Esterhuizen going to the back row or seeing Cheslin Kolbe potentially go into scrum-half, which has been mooted. That lends itself to a team that can withstand the trials and tribulations across a World Cup. World Cup squads aren't that big, so when you've got players who are versatile and play different positions, it all makes a huge difference. The strength in depth is huge, but versatility is equally important.",
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"text": "I can't bring myself to watch the full documentaries on South African rugby; but across the snippets that I've seen, it looks like Rassie keeps that environment extremely competitive and fresh, all centred around the key piece that a team focuses on, which is that common goal of winning. To maintain that kind of freshness and that desire to compete and win across such a long time is pretty remarkable and requires the innovation which we've seen him do.",
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"text": "Can you think of a better coach this century?",
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"text": "He's set the benchmark for so long, and in a results-based industry, he has won two World Cups. So, you can't argue with him being the best coach over the last decade.",
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"text": "But in terms of innovation, I think Eddie Jones was ahead of his time. Eddie Jones was looking at hybrid players in support in 2018 and 2019. Eddie has always been at the forefront of moving things on. Whether you liked him or not, Eddie had the strategies to keep teams thinking, on their toes, and not allow players to feel comfortable. Rassie and Eddie for me have been the best two coaches across the last decade. But if I had to choose one, you don't win two World Cups and say someone else is better; that would be ridiculous. So, I'd have to say Rassie.",
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"text": "Let’s look at Ireland now, down in Australia to start with, and they've then got Japan and finally New Zealand. Where do you see Ireland at the moment? Do you still see them as a force to be reckoned with?",
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"text": "In the immediate future, I think Ireland will still be a real force. Keeping that spine in the team who have played together for the last four or five years going into the next World Cup is an extremely sensible thing to do. I think that they'll still be contenders for sure, both in this Nations Championship and in the World Cup next year.",
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"text": "The guys in their squad are relatively old in comparison to others. So it will be about how to keep those guys fit and keep their form where it needs to be, which becomes more challenging as you get older. And a few key injuries, that's when their depth gets challenged, and that's where we've seen Ireland have struggled in the past. They’re still a force to be reckoned with in the short term. But beyond the next World Cup, we might well see an entirely different Ireland team. And if there's a person who can facilitate that transition, it is Andy Farrell. If I had to put a number three on that list of greatest coaches, it would have been Andy Farrell.",
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"text": "Were you surprised that Leo Cullen has announced he's leaving Leinster, albeit not until the end of next year?",
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"text": "I'm not surprised personally, no. They have been the most successful province for so long, but they have had the most resources available in terms of talent. It seems wrong to say this, given that they've got to so many finals, but they've probably underachieved what's expected of them. One thing in their defense is that they have come across probably the best crop of French teams in a long time, in Toulouse, La Rochelle, and now Bordeaux. So, fortune hasn't favored them. But that said, you've got to find a way in finals.",
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"text": "So, it doesn't surprise me. Maybe having been there for so long, maybe what they need is a fresh voice to get them over the line and get the job done. Leo will still do a brilliant job elsewhere. Ultimately, he is a very good coach, and I'm looking forward to seeing where he goes next and what he may do with that. It feels wrong saying that they've underachieved even though they've got to semi-finals and finals, but you've got to get over the line.",
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"text": "A word about Sam Prendergast who has had his share of criticisms, and he's admitted to his own weaknesses which he is working on. But with Crowley injured and his URC final performance he’s going to start against the Wallabies, isn’t he?",
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"text": "He has to. There is no debating his talent. What you often find with young 10s is: can they back it up week in, week out? It takes a lot of courage for a young player to come out and say what they're struggling with and what they need to improve. So, I think fair play to him.",
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"text": "From a playing standpoint, I don't think there's been too many debates over his talent. A good run of games in the 10 shirt will give him the confidence that he needs to improve the stuff that he's spoken about, whilst also showing the world more of what we've seen he can do when things are going his way. When we see the proof of his hard work coming into play, we’ll be able to talk about him as one of the best fly-halves. His talent, his kicking ability, his passing ability, his vision is special. Working on those other bits is going to give him the best opportunity to be the best player he can be, which is a high ceiling.",
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"text": "Can they win in Australia? Joe Schmidt will be licking his lips and Australia started to come good in the Lions, didn't they?",
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"text": "It is good to see Australia getting a bit of their mojo back. In the same way that a struggling Wales team is not good for international rugby, a struggling Australia team isn't good for international rugby either. But I think that Australia have turned over a new leaf, and honestly, they are only one or two pieces away from having a seriously outstanding team. Their backline is no joke, and when you add in Max Lomax coming over from NRL, it is breathtaking. They are stacked.",
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"text": "Can Ireland get the job done in Australia? Yes, I think they can. The one area of Australia that still concerns me, and was a concern over the Lions at all, is the 10 shirt. Not having an out-and-out nailed-on 10 game manager at international level, it is hard. I think that they probably need to find out who their 10 is for the World Cup sooner rather than later and double down on him.",
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"text": "Who would you pick from the contenders that you have seen?",
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"text": "I liked Tom Lynagh. I thought he showed great courage and great vision; his kicking game was good, and he knew when to play into the right areas. For me, Australia probably want a steady fly-half around the players that they've got in their backline with Tom Wright, Joseph Sua’ali’i, and now Lomax with all that flair. So, for me, pick the fly-half who has a little bit more conservative approach. Tom is that guy.",
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"text": "Wales have been through a world of hurt in the last year or two. They finally won a game in the Six Nations and Jac Morgan is back. Can you see the green shoots of recovery in Wales?",
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"text": "It is going to take time. It is dangerous to use history as your benchmark, but I just can't see how a Wales team, a country that is so passionate about rugby, continues to struggle for much longer. They have definitely got some class players coming through. If I can pick two players in the Prem who have put their hands up and offer something at international level, they are Louis Hennessey and Gabriel Hamer-Webb.",
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"text": "I can definitely see some green shoots. I think Jac Morgan being fit is massive—he’s a freak. Tomos Williams is another one who's massively important. So, I can definitely not see them struggling for much longer. After the next World Cup, I think that's when we'll see them back to the Wales of old. And a good Wales is good for everyone. Everyone loves that. They’ll be back.",
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"text": "More broadly, we’ve seen rugby players flirt with the NFL. Louis Rees-Zammit being the latest. Did you ever get an offer or was it ever something that pricked your interest?",
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"text": "Yes, it was. It was definitely something I was looking at. I had some pretty early-stage discussions with them, but it was around the time when I tore my Achilles the first time, and we all know how long that took to sort out. After that, my focus returned totally on making the most of what I had left in rugby.",
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"text": "Having spoken to people in the past, I am really not sure that it's actually possible. I'm not sure it's possible for a rugby player to transition because I think that those guys have been doing it from the age of five years. They've got that muscle memory. Rugby players just don't have that. And frankly, if Christian Wade can't make it, no one can because, from an athletic ability angle, they don't get much better than him in rugby. He performed, and he had the stature, and he had the raw physical ability to do it, so he had everything working in his favor. And he didn't get a look in! So, it's tough for me to consider anyone else who may have the potential, unless we're talking about an offensive lineman possibly or a kicker.",
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"text": "How far did your American football talks progress?",
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"text": "It was relatively early after the 2015 World Cup and there were some early discussions that dragged out for a period beyond that. I was definitely looking at it and considering it pretty heavily. And then obviously what happened, happened. After 2015, there was a lot of speculation about players who could make the transition. I think myself and Billy Vunipola had been earmarked. So there probably was a year or so after that that there were some early discussions. But nothing was set in stone, offering whatever. But there was interest on their part and my part, for sure.",
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"type": "paragraph",
"text": "What position did you see yourself playing?",
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"text": "At the time I was obviously a massive Odell Beckham fan, so I thought I could play wide receiver! Looking at it now, I honestly have no idea where I would have played because I had no interest in making tackles for a living, so I wasn't playing defense, that's for sure. The way I played rugby was very unstructured and off-the-cuff, so looking back, I think wide receiver would have been way too structured and formalized for me to allow me to actually do it. But that was the position that I wanted to try at the time.",
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"text": "We've got the football World Cup in the US going on now; we've got the Rugby World Cup there in 2031. How important do you think it is for rugby to get a foothold in America and for the country to embrace the sport going forward? Can rugby take off there?",
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"text": "It depends how you define take off. I don't think it's ever going to rival the main sports there which are entrenched in culture and entrenched in the universities. Those three sports—NBA, NFL, and baseball—are not going to be overtaken. To create some kind of something that could steal a market share off of some of those three big sports is important. Having the eyes on the sport from a different lens, the American lens, would be brilliant.",
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"text": "I'm hoping that there can be a flow-in after the football World Cup of people with innovative ideas and ways to change a sport. That would be brilliant. Ideally, that will happen over the next couple of years so that the World Cup in America can really be a spectacle to show what rugby's about and what it can do.",
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"text": "The one thing I think really needs addressing—and we’ve seen it in the football World Cup—is a lot of people in America don't know the rules and don't know what's going on, and soccer's obviously a lot bigger than rugby over there. So, I think when you take rugby over there, there needs to be a real drive to educate the viewers both from a TV and an audience perspective on what they're watching, and find a way to pick up the rules quicker because no one wants to watch a sport and have zero idea what's going on. People really have to have a basic understanding or at least an ability to develop an understanding about what you're watching. That has to be addressed, otherwise, people are just not going to watch.",
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"text": "More Sports Interviews",
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Latest Webhooks No webhook occurrence in 200 latest
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| File path | ././.db/casinolyze-casinolyze/documents/ak[o]w[z][r][e][a][a][c]c[a][n]b[i]o.json |
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