Six Nations: England 30 - 9 Ireland; Lancaster backed for full-time job after England thrash Irish

Published on 19/03/2012 02:49

STUART Lancaster will update his CV today and turn his attentions to convincing the Rugby Football Union that he is the man to lead England into the 2015 World Cup.

Judging by the reaction at Twickenham, and among those who gave Lancaster a standing ovation at the official dinner after England’s crushing 30-9 victory over Ireland, the interim coach has already won over the rugby public. Nick Mallett, thought to be Lancaster’s main rival for the full-time coach’s job, conceded it would be hard for the RFU to appoint anyone else.

Lancaster has led England to second place in the RBS Six Nations championship with a new-look team that has restored a sense of pride in the red rose following the World Cup debacle. And he believes he has all the qualities required for the job following his time at Leeds and within the RFU’s academy structure.

The only part Lancaster had not experienced before was coaching a team in a Test match and he hopes that victories over Scotland, Italy, France and Ireland will enhance his case.

“People talk about experience,” Lancaster said. “The only bit I didn’t have was the games and I’ve learnt as I’ve gone and tried to get up to speed as quickly as I could with international coaching.

“Part of the dynamic of international coaching is to get the best out of people and to build a team and culture that people buy into. If you look at our performances, I think we’ve done that.”

England’s win on Saturday was built on a destructive scrummaging performance. Owen Farrell kicked 20 points in another nerveless display, but it was the England pack who obliterated the Irish scrummage and earned just reward with a second-half penalty try.

Ben Youngs then came off the bench to score England’s second try from a quick tap penalty that had been earned by his forwards. “It was a very special moment to coach England at Twickenham and get a win. It was a very proud coaching moment,” Lancaster said.