Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Paul Ackford senses a whiff of optimism in the air as 2012 dawns.
"A new chief executive is soon to stride into Twickenham to repair an administratively dysfunctional Rugby Football Union. Rob Andrew is still there, ’tis true, but his wings have been clipped and he will have nothing to do with the senior team.
"Wales, with the bulk of their coaching group signed and sealed, are intent on making the most of a young side who will be better for their World Cup heartache. The appointment of the maverick Scott Johnson, who will join Andy Robinson as a ‘senior assistant’ at the end of the season, is evidence that Scotland are serious in their search to find an attacking edge, and Ireland, blessed with a formidable back row and a gifted outside-half in Jonathan Sexton, are intent on demonstrating that success does not begin and end with O’Driscoll, O’Connell and O’Gara.
"Transformation is also all the rage across the rest of the rugby world. Eddie Jones has been installed as Japan’s boss, replacing John Kirwan. France and Italy have shuffled their coaching decks, and for the first time in almost eight years the All Blacks will take to the field without Graham Henry calling the shots. Steve Hansen has the privilege of succeeding Henry and will face South Africa, who are highly likely to have a fresh man in charge too. There is even a new team to take account of in that part of the world, as Argentina wait to make their entrance to a four nations tournament for the first time later in the year. The times they are a-changing."
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