Monday 25 May 2015 17:31, UK
The combination of Leicester's forward play and Bath's attack could turn England into a force, says Stuart Barnes.
There were worse things in the world to be than a rugby broadcaster and journalist last weekend. Well, most weekends it’s a decent way to make a living but the last one, in particular, was exceptional. A couple of clichés should have been laid to rest last Saturday at my old stamping grounds in Bath.
The first cliché is one that constantly irritates me; forwards win games backs decide by how many. It has always been ill thought-out rubbish. Forwards give the team the platform to win games and backs, especially half backs often turn the opportunity into deed.
One day Gregor Townsend will coach the Lions, until then he will have to make do with the Pro12 final.
Leicester’s pack was fully powered. Proud, passionate and with England players like Tom Youngs and Dan Cole immense from start to end, they gave the Tigers the foundations to beat Bath three times over. But this time an exceptional set of backs - and a fine defensive effort - enabled Bath to convert eight attacking positions into seven tries.
Which brings me to the second cliché; that England are only capable of playing direct, power rugby. George Ford is as subtle an operator as there is and improving at a rapid rate. The Bath backline is on the same wavelength, and the result was a shimmering display of attacking rugby.
It is no secret to anyone who listens to or reads my rugby thoughts that my respect for the attacking play of New Zealand rugby is great. In an age of heft and muscle, their rugby brains, accuracy and brilliance makes them the world’s best team year after year, even though they can sometimes struggle for possession against the bigger packs.
Well, England has backs with the belief and the skills to emulate the Kiwis. The combination of Leicester-type forward power and Bath attack could make England an almost irresistible force should they have the courage to trust their game which is in position to be forward based, back based or somewhere in between.
The strength of English forward play and its inherent power was there for all to see in Northampton. It was a good weekend for England fans and Stuart Lancaster. It was also a thrilling one for Glasgow fans. On Friday night I saw a game devoid of the quality Bath produced but for sheer excitement this was spectacular. Not every game is a feast of pure running; sometimes a side has to dig in for the win.
There is not a side in the history of the game that has not frequently had to discard their instinctive attacking game when the passes don’t stick and the running lines are not quite right. It is the essence of a champion team. Glasgow, with Finn Russell again their spearhead, battled to stay in the game and when their chance arrived took it with an unbelievable piece of skill.
The pass for DTH’s try was perfect, so too the conversion. The place exploded with excitement. This was no beauty pageant of a match but in its own way it was unforgettable. Glasgow is undeniably struggling to find their game. Lady Luck has turned its back on them as injuries continue to rack but they had the will and organisation to defy that awkward opponent.
It is a credit to the squad that a technically superior Ulster team could not close the game out, a credit also to Gregor Townsend who has forged a team capable of winning in fine style or with ugly attrition. One day Townsend will coach the Lions, until then he will have to make do with the PRO12 final.
The stakes are high. Before the season kicked off he said it was the trophy or failure, no verbal safety nets. So far, so good; he is back in the final, this time as top seeds. Again the opposition is Irish, this time Munster who had one hell of a scrap with the Ospreys. The driving and offloading game around the fringes is superb, the will immense, especially with this expected to be the last game of that great man of Munster, Paul O’Connell.
But huge challenge that Munster undoubtedly are, Glasgow will look at the hit and miss of their goal kicking, their inability not to suffer moments of madness when they try and force the game from parts of the pitch where they really should be playing territory. It is a while now but that man O’Gara is sorely missed.
While Glasgow has suffered significant numbers of injuries - the blow of losing Alex Dunbar and Mark Bennett has been debilitating to their rhythm - the probable absence of scrum-half, Conor Murray, could well balance the bad luck out. Duncan Williams is a solid player but behind the scrum there is an absence of tactical acumen.
This is going to be a bruising affair, one for the connoisseurs of heart and soul rugby. Munster look in slightly less battered shape but it has been one of those seasons for Glasgow so far. They have overcome the odds and obstacles and are capable of doing so one more time. Belfast here we come.
Stuart answers your questions...
Got a question for Stuart? Email him at skysportsclub@bskyb.com, tweet @SkySportsRugby #askskyrugby or use the feedback form at skysports.com.
Is it better for England's World Cup hopes that dynamic Bath win or pragmatic Saracens? John Butler
STUART REPLIES: John, Bath. England's forwards and Bath's backs can win the World Cup in tandem.
What do you think to Farrell playing at 12 for England? Ball playing 12 and a better kicker than Ford. Richard Thompson
STUART REPLIES: Richard, Ford's kicking was perfect on Saturday. Farrell looks ideal cover at 10/12 with Brad Barritt having to start to add organisation to the defence.
George Ford has had an outstanding season for Bath - what has changed to make him develop so quickly? Alex Rose
STUART REPLIES: Alex, he is an exceptional talent playing in an ideal environment. The England ten shirt has settled any nerves. We are witnessing the start of something special as far as Ford's career is concerned.
