Six Nations: Players back interim coach Stuart Lancaster’s bid to get job on permanent basis

ENGLAND captain Chris Robshaw and full-back Ben Foden last night endorsed Stuart Lancaster’s bid to become the team’s full-time coach following the remarkable RBS Six Nations triumph over France.

Tries by Manu Tuilagi and Foden put England 14-3 ahead and when Tom Croft scored late on, after a French revival, they led 24-15 with five minutes remaining. Wesley Fofana’s converted try brought France storming back, but Francois Trinh-Duc’s late drop goal attempt fell short and England had won a thrilling 24-22 victory.

Lancaster is in charge on an interim basis, but this famous win in Paris can only enhance his application to lead England into the 2015 World Cup on home soil.

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Assistant coaches Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree praised the work he has done in restoring a national sense of pride in the England team following the World Cup.

Asked if he would like to see the coaching team remain, Robshaw said: “Yes. They have created a great environment for us to play and as players we will back them. We have only been together for 35 to 40 days and feel we have come a long way.”

Foden, who has scored in all four of his Tests against France, added: “They have been marvellous so far. Stuart has been honest with all the players and the media. He has created an environment and culture that is certainly positive.

“All the boys are behind him and we all buy into what he is trying to build here and everyone is enjoying their rugby and enjoying the camp.”

England, mathematically at least, will head into the final weekend with a shot at winning the Six Nations title. Never before have they won all three away fixtures in the same championship season and yesterday’s triumph lifts Lancaster’s men up to fourth in the world.

“It is there for all to see what Stuart has done. The biggest achievement is he has put some pride back in the England jersey,” Farrell said. “That is not just the squad but throughout the country. You can feel the wave of support behind you. Everyone is enjoying the ride with us. That gives us massive belief.

“Stuart always said we are building team for the future, but it is also about now. We had some doubters along the way. We had two good wins and against a Welsh team on fire we acquitted ourselves well in that game.

“Then we were told we will see what the team is about in France and to come here and play like they did and fight like they did, you cannot understate how big an achievement that is.”

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Lancaster would not be drawn on the recruitment process and his chances of landing the permanent job – but England’s performance in victory can only strengthen his case.

Lancaster said: “I am very proud to come to the Stade de France and get a win, where few sides have done that recently.

“It’s not about me, Andy or Graham. It is about the team. We lacked experience in terms of caps but we have huge self-belief in the direction we are going. The players deserve great credit. I am hugely proud of the performance they all put in.”

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