Blood & Mud

'Best' is relative, especially where England are concerned

Martin Johnson is feeling chipper.  Not only is he looking forward to embarking on his second Six Nations campaign - a tournament he did relatively well in last year, all things considered - but he is flush with happiness.  Or at least it seems that was the case today, as he was positively gushing by his standards, stating that his latest squad is "the best squad we have had in my time being in charge."

'Best' is, however, a relative term, and like a vote of confidence from Rob Andrew, it must be treated with caution.  

For example, my current car (2006 Renault Clio) is the best I have ever owned, but that is because prior to the age of 24 I didn't own a car, and then I had an F-reg Ford Fiesta that failed its first MOT to such an extent it was condemned on sight; a Fiat Panda that needed the radiator topping up every five hours; and a Vauxhall Vectra of such crushingly dull styling it looked like I was driving an upturned tupperware container.

As it was with my catalogue of shitty cars, thus it is with England.  This may very well be the best squad Johnno has had, but given that most his other squads have played like they have their hands and heads on the wrong way, this is a questionable accolade.

The other worrying thing for England fans, and anyone who likes rugby, is that he is also saying, "We have a good leadership group and it's the strength of any side that you have three, four or five guys who could be captain."  

In Johnnospeak, 'leadership' or 'captain' means solid, dependable and trustworthy players who can be depended upon to do the sensible thing.  Or put in normal language we all understand; boring, creativity-vacuums.

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'Best' is relative, especially where England are concerned

Martin Johnson is feeling chipper.  Not only is he looking forward to embarking on his second Six Nations campaign - a tournament he did relatively well in last year, all things considered - but he is flush with happiness.  Or at least it seems that was the case today, as he was positively gushing by his standards, stating that his latest squad is "the best squad we have had in my time being in charge."

'Best' is, however, a relative term, and like a vote of confidence from Rob Andrew, it must be treated with caution.  

For example, my current car (2006 Renault Clio) is the best I have ever owned, but that is because prior to the age of 24 I didn't own a car, and then I had an F-reg Ford Fiesta that failed its first MOT to such an extent it was condemned on sight; a Fiat Panda that needed the radiator topping up every five hours; and a Vauxhall Vectra of such crushingly dull styling it looked like I was driving an upturned tupperware container.

As it was with my catalogue of shitty cars, thus it is with England.  This may very well be the best squad Johnno has had, but given that most his other squads have played like they have their hands and heads on the wrong way, this is a questionable accolade.

The other worrying thing for England fans, and anyone who likes rugby, is that he is also saying, "We have a good leadership group and it's the strength of any side that you have three, four or five guys who could be captain."  

In Johnnospeak, 'leadership' or 'captain' means solid, dependable and trustworthy players who can be depended upon to do the sensible thing.  Or put in normal language we all understand; boring, creativity-vacuums.