England have found their new Billy Whizz in Christian Wade says Andy Robinson
Andy Robinson’s ill-fated reign began England’s post-2003 slump and only after the 2011 World Cup have they truly started to emerge from their slumber, thanks to Stuart Lancaster and his new broom.
Lancaster went back to basics and founded his side on a solid set-piece but this summer in Argentina, an array of young backs including Wade, Marland Yarde and Kyle Eastmond set pulses racing again.
Wade, particularly, caught the eye, setting up two tries in England’s first Test win over the Pumas before being recruited by the Lions.
And, having had a front row seat to Billy Whizz’s scything sidesteps, Robinson is convinced England have another twinkle-toed assassin.
The Bristol director of rugby, who also coached Scotland, said: “When you think about Jason, everybody wanted to see him with the ball and there was a real excitement in the air and sometimes a gasp from what he could do.
“That wasn’t just the supporters – it was the coaches as well. I think Christian is very similar in terms of being able to beat people. It’s difficult to work out how to stop him. It’s his third season now – the question is, can he have the same impact?”
As Lancaster’s side has slowly taken shape, he has stuck by Chris Ashton – before he was rested for the trip to Argentina – on the right wing and opted for square pegs in round holes in the left, often selecting full-backs Mike Brown on Ben Foden.
Yarde was another to shine in Argentina however, and coach Robinson believes England now have wingers to rival the best in the world.
“Ashton is under pressure but if you look at back row positions or locks, quite often you always have competition for places in the England set-up and now that is the case on the wings,” he said.
“It’s great that we have a lot of wingers we can choose from. The game that Marland Yarde played against Argentina was just the icing on the cake for his season.
“I saw Marland playing a few years ago and he’d potentially make an error and then make another soon after. Last year he kept his concentration throughout. He’s difficult to put down and that finishing ability is crucial.”
Robinson’s Bristol are among the favourites for promotion but his side got a rude awakening in their pre-season friendly with his old club Bath, going down 69-5.
Bath’s recruitment has gone into overdrive this summer with Jonathan Joseph, Matt Garvey and George Ford all joining, but it’s Gavin Henson’s arrival that has caused unwanted headlines.
Robinson said: “The hardest part for Gavin is the media speculation – it’s really tough. 99 per cent of people don’t have that in their lives. You have got to understand that is an added pressure for him.
“I hope he can show that talent that he has. He has got a good head on his shoulders and those are the headlines that he makes. I am not expecting a lot but I just hope he can stick in there and do a job.”
PADDY VON BEHR
