Andy Talks Fitness and Scotland - 2006

England's Head Coach Andy Robinson looks forward to this weekend's clash with Scotland and the fitness of squad players

Q:        Andy, any injury problems from the weekend?

A         A few. Matt Stevens (Bath) has picked up a knock (shoulder), Tom Voyce (London Wasps) has lost a couple of teeth and Stuart Abbott (London Wasps) got a dead leg so we’ve got to deal with them at the moment but it’s only 48 hours since they played and 24 hours for the Wasps boys.  We’ve got to see how they recovered in that time. Normally with injuries we should know in 24 hours if they’re going to be fit or not.

Q         Do you think that the RBS 6 Nations should be seamless and go straight through?

A         You can’t play five international games of rugby back to back so it is right to have a break in-between and the players have gone back to their clubs. We know how physical  rugby is and we know we’re always at risk of injury but we just have to deal with it.

Q         You would have preferred not to have those players playing for those clubs on their weekend off?

A         I did ask in my plans originally with the RFU and PRL that they would be given that time off. That’s not happened and I have to say that all  those players performed well at the weekend. It is difficult to go from all those tough internationals we’ve had and then go back to your club and  then have another huge match. Those players have come back and are tired but after a bit of preparation they will be fine.

Q         The forecast for this weekend is for it to be cold with a bit of snow. The last time we went up to Murrayfield in those conditions we lost. So we should be worried about Scotland?

A         They’re performing with some confidence now and at the moment we’re the only team to win away from home in the Championship. I think this shows the strength of our team but Scotland is a good side if you allow them to play. We’ve full respect for the coaching team they have in place and also for the way they are trying to play the game.

            But we’ll be able to plan whatever the conditions are under foot. Players know what to expect up there and we’ll make sure we’re fully prepared going into the game. Like all international games it’s about what happens on the pitch.

Q         Andy you stuck to your guns in selection and how the game is played in the last two games. Coaching is vital and what Frank Hadden has done for the Scottish side has revitalised Scottish rugby hasn’t it? 

A         It’s not just about the coach, it’s about the players first and foremost and it’s the players mind set as to how they want to play but all that is  based around a strong coaching team. It’s about empowering the players to get the best out of themselves and you want the players to give it their best in every game and to play to their strengths. I think that’s what we look at with our coaching side and to give the players every  opportunity to play at their best in any given international against any opposition.

Q         Finally, the Grand Slam, is it in your sights?

A         Scotland are in our sights and that’s our main and only focus at present. We understand the improvements Scotland have made. London Wasps  went up to Murrayfield, in poor conditions and lost. England lost there in 2000 and we know how dangerous Scotland are. But we are fully  prepared and I’m looking forward to this next challenge.            

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