FORWARD JAMES HASKELL insisted there will not be a repeat of England’s unsuccessful Grand Slam attempt in 2011.
England — led by Martin Johnson at the time — won the Six Nations Championship four years ago but missed out on the Grand Slam after losing 24-8 to Ireland in their final game in Dublin.
Stuart Lancaster was appointed following England’s forgettable World Cup campaign a few months later.
England return to Aviva Stadium on Saturday seeking to make it three wins from as many games in the 2015 Six Nations. And Haskell – captain of London Wasps – said England are better equipped under Lancaster.
“It was a very different place in terms of the structure with England and the coaches and where we were,” said Haskell. ”I don’t think you will ever see an occasion where something like that [Grand Slam collapse in Dublin] happens because boys are too experienced.
“The squad has moved on now. Everyone back then still wanted to play for England and play well, so I think they get a harsh rap.
“But with Stuart [Lancaster] coming in, we have a game plan that is very clear and concise and it suits the players that are playing it. That is the difference.”
This is literally word for word from When we where kings !!
The most remarkable sporting event ever. We’ll never see his like again. The way he played the crowd, Foreman and his whole team. His quote when the fight was nearly called off “my dream is in ruins” showed how he planned things out. Ali transcended sport. It’s no wonder all the motivational gurus hold him up as the most inspirational character of the 20th century.
Ali Bomaye