FRASER Dingwall is confident the shock loss of two coaches this summer will not derail England who have shown significant signs of progress this year.
Conditioning specialist Alex Walters and defence coach Felix Jones, who were both part of World Cup winning South Africa management teams, resigned in quick succession after the summer Tests against Japan and New Zealand.
Walters moved to Ireland, partly for family reasons, but no official explanation has been given for Jones handing in his notice after little more than seven months in the role during which time he had made a profound difference.
Former England defence coach Paul Gustard has been linked with the job, along with Joe El-Abd, who in his playing days had a stint in Bristol’s back row and is now head coach of Oyonnax.
“It was a surprise when they left and everyone was sad to see them go,” said Northampton centre Dingwall, who won his first cap in the Six Nations and went on the summer tour.
“It is their decision and as a player coaches coming and going is something we are used to. Their decisions are often based on more than just rugby and I am sure that whoever comes in will do a great job.
“We made big strides in defence under Felix who had an major impact. It is a shame that he has gone because his system worked well. If whoever replaces him wants to bring in another way, we will apply ourselves. It will be very much down to the new coach who will set out what he wants.”
England returned from New Zealand frustrated at two narrow defeats. They were never behind at half-time and the series followed a late victory over Ireland and a late loss in France.
“Foundations have been laid this year and we want to build from there,” said Dingwall. “As players we have pushed ourselves hard and with good coaching we have made great progress.”
Dingwall has won his caps at inside-centre but he is comfortable playing at 13. “I am open to either position,” he said. “At Saints I tend to attack at 13 and defend at 12. It is not so much the number on your shirt as combinations and my role is different when I am partnering Rory Hutchinson to when Tommy Freeman is alongside me.
“For me, it is about starting the season with Northampton strongly and putting myself in contention for a place in side for the first autumn international against New Zealand. The message from England at the end of the tour was about increasing my collision dominance as much as I can.”
Dingwall is one of six Northampton backs who have been capped by England this year. Fly-half Fin Smith and wing Ollie Sleightholme also made their debuts with the Saints winning the Premiership after defeating Bath in the final at Twickenham.
“When a team plays well, players tend to get recognised internationally,” said the 25-year old Dingwall. “We have a strong group here and the coaching at Northampton means we all get better each day.”
Northampton won the title last season despite losing their opening two matches. A team known for its attacking intent added a coat of armour with the arrival of Lee Radford as defence coach, doggedly coming through matches they would have lost in previous years, with the final an example.
“We were not at our best against Bath but we found a way,” said Dingwall. “We did it at places like Newcastle, Munster and Exeter. We said at the start of the season that we wanted to be more hard-nosed and abrasive and find a way to win in challenging situations.
“We did that. We did not play that well in the final against Bath, even though they had a player sent off in the first-half. Losing a man can invigorate a team and change the dynamic of a match, as we showed in the second half at Munster, and it certainly lifted Bath.
“We had a good couple of days after the final. A lot went into that success and it was fair enough to celebrate. Then it was about understanding it was done and that while we could always look back on it fondly, it had nothing to contribute to the here and now.
“The pre-season marked a complete reset and new motivators. What will not change is that we based a lot last year around performing to deliver outcomes. That allows you to generate momentum and get to the top end.”
