England

[Hymenoptera]

I'm another who doesn't really understand why Baxter is in the frame for England with so many people.  Other than the fact he isn't a clown.

Other than proven winner, excellent man management, talent identification, player development to international level, likeable, personable...
My question is why not and who is better placed.

Mark McCall? He hits 4 out of those 6 criteria.   However I would find it hard to be content with his appointment.

Other than man management he hasn't achieved any of the rest without financial steroids. 1 out of 6?

[Vespula Vulgaris]

I'm another who doesn't really understand why Baxter is in the frame for England with so many people.  Other than the fact he isn't a clown.

Other than proven winner, excellent man management, talent identification, player development to international level, likeable, personable...
My question is why not and who is better placed.

He's worked with a squad day in, day out, for year after year drilling them to play a limited and dull to watch gameplan to perfection.

He wouldn't have the same time with the squad, or years to achieve it. And even if he did no one would want to watch it.

Other than silverware why should he be the obvious choice?

[westwaleswasp]

Remember MaCall's  Sarries used to have a very limited game plan. They became more expensive after winning, Baxter may go the same way with Chiefs.

I don't favour Baxter at all per se but look at what other coaches in international positions achieved prior to appointment.  Ireland appointed an international coach  who was realatively unsuccessful as a number 2 with little club experience, Wales really appointed on the basis of one decent season in the pro 14 with an attractive style. Very few get to appoint successful club coaches with a glittering track record a la Wales with Gatland,  and very few international coaches have a glittering track record. Guys like PSA at France seemed great appointments on paper only to fail anyway. How many do have great records that would be good enough? Gatland, sure. Who else? I can't see many outside of those who would never move. I don't want to assume that anyone with a kiwi accent and half decent Super rugby team would be a better appointment than a more familiar English club coach.

When we did promote a former number two to number one with England it went terribly, so what do people want? A guy with international experience at number 2, or a current club coach? They are pretty mutually exclusive nowadays..

I think whoever we appoint could be a risk. Let us hope a couple of years of Wasps domination changes the complexion.