The Guardian's Rob Kitson assesses Stuart Lancaster's future as England coach following the press briefing on Tuesday.
"Stuart Lancaster has effectively been given only three games to stake his claim as England's permanent head coach. The Rugby Football Union says it expects to have identified its first-choice candidate by the end of the Six Nations, a timescale which would appear to reduce Lancaster's chances unless the caretaker's new-look squad makes a good start against Scotland, Italy and Wales.
Twickenham officials admit they have been impressed by Lancaster's words and deeds since he was installed as interim coach last month but it seems Nick Mallett and Wayne Smith are still their preferred options to take England through to the 2015 World Cup. Had the union ruled out any appointment before mid-April it would have indicated a serious desire to retain Lancaster in the job for the long haul."
RSS feed
