Rugby: Robinson's simple plan for success

Published on Friday 5 June 2009 10:26

IN the Twickenham gymnasium which Andy Robinson presided over during his reign in charge of England's rugby team, there hangs a sign proclaiming a simple message: "Greatness is measured by attention to detail."

Clearly some of that mantra rubbed off on this same individual who now makes history as the first Englishman to pick up the Scottish coaching reins for, within minutes of his appointment being confirmed, Robinson was setting out a stall along similar lines.

"What sort of player do I want in the Scotland team? It's pretty simple. Great players execute simple skills well."

In other words, whatever is required do it thoroughly and well without trying to be too clever.

Robinson had other reminders about what, in his view, constitutes his archetypal rugby player.

"They think correctly under pressure and know their role while being able to deliver what is important in that role. Consistently.

"There's also understanding the collective and the trust around a team that develops a winning performance.

"So long as players keep improving and working hard to improve in all aspects they'll be the types I want."

Improvement has certainly been a speciality of Robinson's during two seasons at Edinburgh.

During this period, the team might have won 23 games out of 46 with three draws.

But the start was decidedly chequered with two of those draws occurring in the seven matches before Robinson's Edinburgh posted a win.

Contrast that with the majestic way in which they swept through their final six games of 2008-09 unbeaten, over which he enthused: "The guys have shown a tremendous work ethic and team spirit as well, which has been developed on and off the field."

What this amounted to was a second-place finish in the Celtic League, building on the fourth spot achieved previously as Robinson himself continued to draw heavily on his experiences, both good and bad.

Here the nadir was undoubtedly being shown the door by England after 22 games in charge, although what has to be taken into account was the turbulent background against which he had to work as clubs and governing body tried to thrash out an accord over international preparation time.

Undoubtedly, Robinson was the fall guy but, looking back on that period, he acknowledges that a national coach has to do more than pick the team and settle on tactics.

"It's about managing upwards as well as the players. A key part is being able to work with a chief executive in terms of the direction to be taken."

Here, Robinson appears to have forged a sound relationship with SRU big-wig Gordon McKie after his England dismissal ended with a period of introspection.

"Everybody needs a period of reflection to look at the good things you have done and where you need to improve.

"I had that time (out) and I think I used it wisely in enabling me to put myself in the position I am in just now."

That position never looked more unlikely than on February 25, 2006 when Robinson led his England team north only to see them lose 18-12 to an inspired Scotland.

"That's life – full of twists and turns," says the man himself about his journey from Twickenham to Murrayfield.

He has also spoken in the past about how seeing his sports-daft dad struck down by illness shaped his views to the extent that Robinson junior became absolutely determined that no worthwhile opportunity would ever by allowed to pass him by.

Even the best need solid back-up and Robinson has been quick to pay tribute to the assistance received from Edinburgh backs coach Rob Moffat, without quite going so far as to endorse his sidekick as a successor.

"I have really enjoyed working with Rob in what has been a really good relationship. He has complemented the way I work and I am full of admiration for the way he has grown into his role.

"It is great Rob is now leading the (Scotland) under-20s at their World Cup in Japan."

If Robinson was coy about flying in the face of protocols, then chief executive McKie made it abundantly clear Moffat would be more than welcome to throw his hat into the ring at Edinburgh.

Here what might be described at the very least as a courtesy call to Moffat was being planned.

"It is important to put Rob in the picture and, if he applies, we will assess Rob against anybody else," said McKie. "The key thing for Scotland is that Andy Robinson is a proven coach who has operated at the highest level and commands respect from everyone he deals with."

That view was echoed by one of Robinson's colleagues from the 1989 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, Scott Hastings, who said: "I have the privilege of mentoring (Edinburgh and Scotland threequarter) Ben Cairns under the winningscotland foundation scheme.

"During these get-togethers Ben has often talked most highly about Andy Robinson's contribution to Edinburgh."

Robinson's first match will be against Fiji at the start of the Autumn Tests, also featuring Argentina and Australia, and Hastings believes there will be an instant fillip.

"When Frank Hadden came in there was an immediate impact and maybe Andy can take it on to the next stage."

According to Hastings, there could be bigger prizes ahead, too, such as a reinvigoration of the domestic scene if Scotland can give a lead in terms of success.

"The base of the professional pyramid is narrow with professional teams for the moment but the new British and Irish Cup for clubs can raise standards and lead to a smaller, more concentrated, premiership possibly using youngsters from the national academy, which is essential," said Hastings.

Clearly the level of expectation is starting to rise for Andrew Robinson.

St Andrew Robinson? We'll have to wait and see...

ANDY ROBINSON FACTFILE

1964: Born Taunton, April 3

1986: Joins Bath

1988: Makes England debut against Australia

1992: Leads Bath to league and cup double in first season as captain

1997: Appointed Bath coach after resignation of Brian Ashton

1997: Sir Clive Woodward becomes his assistant at Bath

1998: Leads Bath to Heineken Cup glory with a 19-18 win over Brive

2000: Appointed assistant England coach

2000: Named as assistant coach for 2001 Lions tour to Australia

2003: Helps England secure the World Cup

October 2004: Appointed England coach

November 2006: Sacked as England coach

October 2007: Appointed Edinburgh coach

May 2009: Leads Edinburgh to second in Magners League

Robbo's recent record

England

Played: 22

Won: 9

Lost: 13

Biggest win: England 70, Canada 0

Biggest loss: Australia 34, England 3

Edinburgh

Played: 46

Won: 23

Lost: 20

Drawn: 3

Biggest win: Edinburgh 43, Dragons 3.

Biggest loss: Leinster 52, Edinburgh 6