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Soar-away Sarries?

Saracens are back in the big time on Sunday when they play Munster in the Heineken semi-finals at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry - incidentally, one of the best-looking and friendliest football stadiums imaginable.

And Sarries are back after a considerable gap. It seems to me that the grand old club have spent almost all of the professional era trying to live up to the storming start they made when the game first went pro and when they briefly seemed to be on the point of becoming the Real Madrid of English rugby. Heady old days.

Saracens, using the business acumen of Nigel Wray, the commercial brilliance of rugby league convert, Peter Deakin, and the exuberance of their then rugby chief, Mark Evans, came storming out of the blocks. It was at Saracens where I first saw that nifty little car bringing on the kicking tee, where they first put up explanations on the scoreboard for refereeing decisions - at least, they did for those decisions which were not totally obvious.

Deakin was a giant and his sad death from cancer a few years ago robbed rugby union of a dynamic marketing force whose ideas are still the basis of so much in the modern game. In only the second season of professional rugby, Saracens drew over 18,000 people for a top-of-the-table Premiership match against Newcastle and such was the enthusiasm of the crowd, literally hundreds of whom wore red fez hats, that it seemed for all the world as if Saracens were establishing a hegemony.

Then they stuttered and we discovered that the margins are always fine. They blundered in entrusting the team to giants such as Francois Pienaar and Wayne Shelford; they never repeated the cup success they achieved in the early stages and, frankly, ever since they have been battling to regain those brief glories, very rarely as a contender for the top four and often at the wrong end of the table.

But I have always believed that there was a latent power in the team and suspected it could be unleashed. They need Eddie Jones to step smoothly into the coaching supremo seat next season and they probably need their own stadium because half of Vicarage Road is a building site. They are unlikely to end this season in glorious style because they seem ill-equipped to beat Munster on Sunday. But let us wish them all the best. Let us wish them a full and storming resumption of the old progress. It can be done.

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Lawyers blame referee

This week's hilarious moment was the production of what was meant to be a grave, serious and in-depth report by a company of grave and serious New Zealand lawyers into the grave and serious failure of New Zealand to reach any serious round of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

At vast expense, so they say, the report has finally surfaced. There are reams of it and blame is laid at various doors, including the rather silly decision of Graham Henry not to allow his players simply to play rugby in the season before the tournament. There is also the stupefyingly bone-headed tactical approach of the All Blacks towards the end of their deserved defeat at the hands of France.

But, then, stunningly or predictably - whichever way you look at it - the good old referee is blamed. Wayne Barnes, public enemy No 1. The grave and serious lawyers simply cannot resist the utterly preposterous and demeaning notion that New Zealand were refereed out of the World Cup.

Only one country, it seems, is surprised by refereeing errors. No New Zealander can possibly comprehend that bad decisions were made both for and against New Zealand in that match, even though the general standard of officiating was absolutely brilliant. Big rugby nation, small rugby minds.

What do you think? E-mail Stephen at rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk with your opinion and he'll reply to the best of the letters next week.

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>>>>>LIST OF THE WEEK<<<<<

The five key reasons why we don't want one single Experimental Law Variation to ruin our game, ever

1. What's wrong with rugby? The Guinness Premiership has just had a series in which every crowd was above five figures, sometimes appreciably so.

2. The driving forces behind them are either technocrats with no current role in the game, dreamers, or Australians.

3. Super-14 coaches are wetting themselves as to how great the laws are. Extreme danger! If they like them, that is the ultimate condemnation.

4. Because the real reason the game has any problems is poor refereeing.

5. Because it makes rugby look like rugby league. That's been tried. And it failed.

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The Stephen Jones Debate

You are right about Freddie Michalak - he wouldn't fit in in England where the running game isn't played. Maybe he could play in Wales instead? The fact that Michalak can't defend doesn't mean he isn't a brilliant fly half, though. His genius lies in his being unpredictable. The reason he worked at Toulouse is because he was surrounded by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Yannick Jauzion, the best scrum half and centre in the business, and Florian Fritz, one of the most aggressive centres there is and a hugely underrated player.Mat Sumner

SJ: Very good point, Mat. I think you can field a player who is different, speculative, even flaky, as long as you have a kind of iron cage of colleagues around him.

Who appoints members of the RFU board? Although I believe Martin Johnson is a good choice of manager, the disgraceful way in which Brian Ashton has been treated and the previous lethargy and cock-ups by the RFU indicate an urgent need to get rid of at least Francis Baron and Martyn Thomas. There are many big rugby names expressing the same viewpoint - Brian Moore, Dick Best, Keith Barwell etc. The comment of Barwell sums it up: "I would rather sell The Big Issue than work for Baron". Do the clubs have to initiate and vote on such action? Jeff Higham

SJ: We have had so many communications in a similar vein but I regret to inform you, Jeff, that I have just read and re-read the RFU regulations and I am still not 100 per cent sure how board members are nominated and elected. A sorry episode in the RFU history and, privately, they would agree.

I agree that a Friday night rugby match makes it difficult for anyone with a job to get to the game. But the Six Nations is no longer restricted to those 70-odd thousand people lucky enough to get tickets. There are people watching these games across Europe - even the world - and I suspect they slightly outnumber those in the stadium. I live in Spain, where interest in rugby is starting to grow and where my local viewing pub is increasingly filled with a large dose of locals, not just the usual ex-pats. Rugby is a glorious game and should be introduced to as many people as possible. The live experience must never die, and I do not think it will. But if we can make a few changes to help transmit the intensity of that live experience to more people who genuinely love the game, is that not a good thing? Ben, Madrid PS: I completely agree with you on the ELVs - keep fighting.

SJ: Ben, I take your point and I know how many family groups and gangs of mates and holidaymakers and people all over the world gather round the television to watch, and I know how much good is done for the profile of rugby. I also realise that it is hard to get tickets. But the paying public get a raw deal on so many fronts at the moment. I am against the whole game becoming enslaved to TV. I think that atmosphere and tribalism inside stadiums is declining.

It is difficult to know where to turn to express fury at the decision to stage the Wales-France game on a Friday night. Is it the Six Nations Committee? French TV? The BBC? All of the above? What is absolutely clear is that, whoever it is, they couldn't give a monkey's about the travelling fans who continue to be pushed around like cattle. A small group of us travellers have a tradition going back over 20 years of going to Paris, staying in the same hotel, dining in the same restaurants and singing in the same bars match after match. They have been weekends to remember, irrespective of the scoreboard. This reckless change to the fixture schedule ruins that tradition, wrecks the social conviviality and makes me question whether I can be bothered to make the trip. Perhaps the men in suits ought to be reminded that the SANZAR unions are still green with envy of the Six Nations, not least because it has always attracted such terrific support from genuine rugby fans who are prepared to do what it takes to go to these away matches and to be a part of the festival which accompanies them. What a disaster it will be if that support ebbs away. Neil Protheroe

SJ: Neil, we have had a major reaction, although some have pointed out that there is a huge culture of taking in the games from TV around the world which will carry on merrily. But, as you say, the conviviality of it all has been a joy for decades, and these days the groups of visiting supporters and the sheer colour of it all is declining. The financial sacrifice of the tens of thousands is as big a factor in the growth of the tournament as the efforts down the years of the players.

Leinster have been putting on Friday night floodlit rugby for years in the Heineken Cup. It creates a great atmosphere both during and after the game. A lot of visiting supporters would arrive in Paris on a Friday for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off anyway, so not much change there. And you've got the excitement and anticipation of a weekend in Paris ahead of you which makes it an infinitely better option than Sunday internationals. I'm all for it. Andy, Hong Kong

SJ: Andy, I have been to those Friday night games in Dublin and they are fine, but even the best-supported visiting teams bring few followers because of the inconvenience. And Friday night Tests mean a day off work, full stop.

One reason for England's incoherent performance and apparent lack of direction since 2003 is The Farrell Factor. The RFU invested so much money and PR in the theory that Andy Farrell would play a critical role in the 2007 World Cup that each successive coach has had to accept him as a "given" in trying to build a team, even though it took them ages to work out whether Farrell was the next Richard Hill or the natural successor to Will Greenwood. Solving this conundrum was then made impossible by his long-term injuries, with the result that he played a peripheral role in the event. He obviously was a great rugby league man but he has never looked like a game-breaker in union, either for England or Saracens. Farrell is a journeyman at best and critically lacking in pace for today's game. Whether he would have been selected by Andy Robinson or Brian Ashton had they been given a completely free hand we shall never know, but I doubt it. What we can say is that the selection and grooming of any other potential replacement for Greenwood did not happen as a result. On the subject of the RFU, how about the Francis Barons and Martyn Williams of this world having to seek re-election every so often? Every member of the RFU's clubs gets a vote. Guys who want to put themselves up for the key posts circulate to all the clubs a prospectus, CV, ideas for the future - the lot. I'm sure the Electoral Reform Society would run the thing for us every two or four years, probably at the cost of a single Andy Farrell. Tony Brace

SJ: Tony, for Farrell read so many other rugby league names. For so long, the fact that those who had paid him to come across had to pretend he was a brilliant asset was excruciatingly embarrassing, but it is worse if you are one of the union players who had to be dropped to fit these mediocrities into the team. Farrell became a decent, solid player for Sarries but around six other players at the club could do what he did either as well as him or better. I also repeat - it is amazing how slow so many of these league players are, and how tough they find the extra intensity and the longer season.

I notice that the NZRU have just paid two lawyers to carry out a six-month investigation into why they didn't win the World Cup. I could tell them: it's because when they were two points behind with a minute left and with their forwards in control of the ball in the French 22, they didn't try and kick a drop goal. Given that at the same time they are bemoaning the supposed poverty that means their favourite son, Dan Carter, might get whisked off to Toulouse, perhaps someone ought to have a word about their spending priorities. Christopher Croft

SJ: Christopher, if I were you I'd send the NZRU an invoice! You have produced a more accurate report for free. They are still blaming the ref as if no-one before ever got a bad decision. France got a few in that game alone but for me it was one of the best-refereed games in the tournament.

It is a continuing injustice that after several years of regularly beating top flight opposition, followed by a fantastic showing at the World Cup, Argentina still are not allowed into one or other of the major international tournaments. The recent snub from the Tri-Nations must have been particularly upsetting for them. The southern hemisphere, however, was always the wrong spiritual home for Argentine rugby. Argentina is culturally more aligned with Europe than it is with any of the southern hemisphere rugby playing countries. Whilst there is a big Spanish connection to Argentina, there is also a strong Celtic and Anglo connection, particularly in Argentine rugby playing schools. In our Six Nations competition we have two poor sides in Italy and Scotland, neither of which can hold a candle to the Argentina team. Ireland are probably playing above where their natural resources suggest they should, leaving only three teams realistically capable of winning the competition. Surely, a two-division European Cup with Argentina nominally based out of Spain would inject a new dimension into the Six Nations that would enable the same amount of games to be played and ensure that all matches are competitive. It would also make commercial sense and add the excitement of yearly relegation and promotion. A visit to Barcelona to watch Argentina against any of the home nations would be a sell-out. How many hurdles would need to be knocked down to make this happen?Brian Browne

SJ: The trouble with that, Brian, is that countries like Scotland, who would be candidates for relegation, might almost cease to exist with the dramatic drop in income if they played in Division 2. I have great sympathy for your view about their natural home and Australia, for example, is hardly on Argentina's doorstep - all in all, the most vexatious question and problem in the whole of rugby.

Why has no-one noticed that Rob Andrew is going to run the England team until after New Zealand? Am I to understand that a poor performance in NZ would result in one of Rob's two-month "reviews" into his own performance? I'm looking forward to who gets the blame. Rob Hollingsworth

SJ: Rob reviewing himself might at least stop all the leaks but I am assuming that as all the information about himself would be at his own fingertips then his review would be a bit shorter. I wonder if he would give himself a rolling contract. What if he does brilliantly? Maybe he will sack Johnson.

For a long-time rugby man like you to suggest that elite coaches are not valued borders on the criminal. What other countries or clubs can you list that have opted for power, demeanour and physical stature over coaching excellence? If that were true then surely John Eales would be leading Australia and Sean Fitzpatrick would be directing New Zealand. The fact that they aren't reflects the lengthy good work by both Robbie Deans and Graham Henry. These players, like Johnson, are part of a select few of international greats that encapsulate the respect, intelligence and understanding that translate into the modern game. That intangible excellence is what divides Johnson from other past greats such as Pienaar, Shelford and Brooke and that is why Johnson must be given his chance. It is unfortunate that Ashton was treated so shabbily but it is clear that Johnson is a breed apart. I'm sure Gatland, Jones, White and Woodward would suggest that the ability to coach is more of a pre-requisite than big shoulders and a grimace. Benjamin Saunders

SJ: Wrong end of the stick there, Benjamin. I am suggesting that the appointment of a non-coach to the senior coaching position means, sadly, that simply being a top coach is no longer enough - and that they are now at the mercy of those who, as you say, are a breed apart.

This area of the e-mail is reserved for your views and boos. E-mail Stephen at rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk and he'll either agree, disagree, add some insight or come back firing...

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>>>>>HERO OF THE WEEK<<<<<

Andy Haden

This week it is no contest. The giant old lock has seen enough and he has shown the courage and vocal facility to say so. He described the silly review of New Zealand's World Cup campaign as a "complete and total waste of time". Haden goes on to complain about a raft of serious errors that had nothing whatsoever to do with the referee. And he comes up with the final, damning conclusion that, to be honest, many others had reached about New Zealand rugby a long time ago. "We look terribly arrogant in so many ways. Our apologies look to be delivered with arrogance, our excuses are delivered with arrogance. You can say we have apologised to our fans, but you cannot say that with a smirk on your face."

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The week in 60 seconds

Thursday:

HILL LOOKS FOR FINAL HURRAH AFTER YEARS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL AGONY

The former England stalwart is close to reaching his first domestic final in a much-lauded but injury-plagued career

Report by David Hands

WILKINSON IN FOR NEWCASTLE WITH HISTORY THE INCENTIVE

Despite missing out on England's tour of New Zealand because of injury, Jonny Wilkinson will play for the Falcons in the Challenge Cup

Report by David Hands

Wednesday:

ROBINSON SEES BACKS AS MOST PRESSING ISSUE TO BE TACKLED BY JOHNSON

Jason Robinson is supportive of the unseated Brian Ashton but says a price had to be paid for England 's poor Six Nations

Report by Patrick Kidd

BARKLEY FREE TO FOCUS ON HIS CAREER AFTER CASE DISMISSED

The Bath back has charge of actual bodily harm dropped, leaving him free to pursue a return to the England squad

Report by David Hands

Tuesday:

BARKLEY EMBRACING CHANGE WITH HOPE OF LEAVING TROUBLES BEHIND

Centre hopes his move to Gloucester next season and a change in the England hierarchy can help him to overcome off-pitch worries

Report by David Hands

ROBINSON ON SRU'S RADAR AFTER LANDING SUMMER ROLE

After 16 months away from Test rugby, the former England head coach is to return to the international game with Scotland

Report by Lewis Stuart

Monday:

WILKINSON TOUR HOPES SHATTERED AS NEW INJURY SETBACK STRIKES

England fly half ruled out of New Zealand matches as he is told his shoulder problem will require an operation as soon as possible

Report by Mark Souster

WASPS IN THE PINK AFTER SURVIVING COURAGEOUS SARACENS FIGHTBACK

Saracens 29 London Wasps 40: Francisco Leonelli's hat-trick in vain as London club score six tries to go third in Premiership

Report by David Hands

Sunday:

MIGHTY JOHNSON GIVES ENGLAND HOPE

The England supremo's win-at-all-costs message can make the team great again

Report by Stephen Jones

BRIAN ASHTON LEFT LOOKING SMALL

Brian Ashton's exit shows nice guys rarely survive in the ego-driven world of coaching

Analysis by Stuart Barnes

CATT CAN GET HIS CLAWS INTO BACKS ROLE

Martin Johnson needs an attack coach and there is nobody better than the London Irish man

Analysis by Jeremy Guscott

RFU LOSERS IN THIS FARCE

Power struggles, hidden agendas, false trail - the union has a lot to answer for

Report by Stephen Jones

Saturday:

JOHNSON WILL GET BLANK CHEQUE TO UNDERWRITE CHANGE IN FORTUNES

New England manager granted unlimited budget by RFU to take team back to the pinnacle of the international game

Report by Mark Souster

ANDREW UNEASY AFTER RECEIVING HOSPITAL PASS OVER ASHTON EXIT

The processes the RFU's director of elite rugby used to select the new manager have been criticised as long and drawn out

Report by Owen Slot

WORLD CUP HERO PREPARED TO PUT REPUTATION ON LINE

Martin Johnson makes no promises but exudes confidence that he can take his country back to the top of the global game

Comment by David Hands

Friday:

JOHNSON TO MAKE STATEMENT OF HIS INTENT

The new England manager will face the media today, although his appointment has caused controversy at the RFU

Report by David Hands

JOHNSON'S BROAD SHOULDERS TAILOR-MADE TO CARRY HEAVY BURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY

Even if it all goes wrong, we will remember Johnno the captain - the monobrowed rallying point, the man who never took a backward step

Comment: Simon Barnes

MANAGING NICELY: WHY ENGLAND'S NEW LEADER CAN DITCH HIS TRACKSUIT

Martin Johnson is a man who will, presumably, occupy his space on the concrete and not on the grass

Comment: Gerald Davies

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Things you need to know about rugby: No12

PRE-SEASON MADNESS

One of the most nonsensical notions about the IRB's dangerous move to impose the whole sorry mess of the ELVs on the sport in Europe from next season is that they must all apply to every level, including the juniors.

There are so many amateur heroes down there creating a lasting love of rugby in the hearts of young boys and girls. There is never enough time and confusion is never far away. And yet when next summer draws to a close, and after all the young players are back from their holidays, and with the whole gamut of commitments - coaching, recruiting, making sure the players are safe from harm on and off the field, arranging the games and the training sessions and the refs and the food and the tours and away trips and the squawking parents and a pitch and the socials - on top of all that, in the fortnight pre-season when everything is madness, they are going to have to explain (in their own words) a massive raft of new laws, many of which will be unformed and unworkable.

The IRB really MUST be joking.

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"Fully fit"

Richard Hill's status on the Saracens website before their Heineken Cup semi-final against Munster on Sunday. Considering he walks with a permanent limp after two serious knee injuries, that may be a slight exaggeration, but we wish the Sarries stalwart all the best.

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Suggestions, fan mail and complaints: rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk