Dewi Morris shares his wish list for 2016
Thursday 31 December 2015 09:19, UK
Dewi Morris reveals his 2016 hopes, including an attacking England and further investigation into the salary cap issue.
This year was far from memorable for England and Stuart Lancaster, but 2016 brings with it fresh hope and the potential to reinvent their game. Wales and Ireland, on the other hand, built confidently throughout 2015 before falling short at the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Bristol once again came astonishingly close to Premiership promotion - will this be the year they finally break free? Sky Sports' Dewi Morris gives us his wish list for 2016...
If Eddie Jones and his coaching staff are going to usher in a new era, then we as England fans need to accept that there will be some growing pains.
England experimentation
Eddie Jones needs to not be afraid to experiment in the Six Nations, even if that means losing a few games. Six Nations is a competition steeped in history but the focus needs to be on the future. England are heading for Australia in June so there is very little time to get things right.
New Zealand and Australia have both shown that an attacking mindset wins you games and Jones will come in with the same attitude. I just hope he will stay true to it and not go into his shell if the pressure starts piling on.
England fan patience
I appreciate it's tough when you're paying good money for tickets, but patience with England and Jones will go a long way to helping the national side develop. If Jones and his coaching staff are going to usher in a new era, then we as England fans need to accept that there will be some growing pains.
If Eddie comes in and tweaks things little by little, then the damage will be minimalised, but so will the progression. If we are prepared to allow him the breathing room to bring in a fresh way of life for England Rugby, then I believe the long-term rewards will be richer.
Salary Cap investigation
I thought the investigation was going ahead? I was told by one of the leading figures at one Premiership club that the investigation was going forward but as of yet, I've heard nothing. The desire to ensure transparency and fair play seems to have waned which is disappointing, and I hope they find it again.
We don't want another situation like they have at FIFA. I've been led to believe that there have been some findings from the original investigation - if so, where are they?
Championship excitement
Is this Bristol's year? Certainly heads will roll if they fail to do it at a third time of asking and investing. It's tough for them because everyone wants to beat Bristol when they play them, but Premiership survival is no easy task, so that added pressure gives Andy Robinson's men good exposure to what's on its way if they succeed with promotion.
Live Championship Rugby Union
We have some great games on our screen this season, starting with Bedford v London Scottish on January 1 and Doncaster against Rotherham Titans on January 3. Make sure you tune in!
Welsh consistency
The guts and determination from Wales was always there to see but now they need to deliver long-term dominance and consistent performances. What will be interesting is how Warren Gatland copes with players plying their trade outside Wales.
A lot has been made of Taulupe Faletau's move to Bath. Time will tell if it impacts Gatland's plans for the Wales team but with the return of the likes of Jonathan Davies, things are looking up.
Irish growth
Joe Schmidt's first job was to go into the Irish camp and steady the ship to get Ireland winning. He's done that - the foundations of success have been laid. Now it's time to build on those basic foundations and present an all-round team to the fans.
Schmidt has the players to turn Ireland into a powerhouse of the global game. If they are able to evolve into one that can punish teams from all over the park, then they will scare everyone in 2016.
Scottish investment
The Scots are a side that need to continue in the same direction and keep developing. Vern Cotter has done some great things with a side that doesn't have the depth that others can brag, and if he's allowed to stay in the role and encourage investment and interest through victories and improvement, Scotland could go a long way to reinstating themselves as a Six Nations contender.
It's been a long period without much to show for Scottish ambition, but after coming to within a minute of making a World Cup semi-final, there is a lot to be positive about.
Gregor Townsend
Just as Eddie Jones voiced his desire to invest in the future of English coaching, so Scotland should do the same with Townsend. The things he has done for Glasgow are undeniably impressive and need to be recognised and rewarded by the bosses of Scottish rugby.
Understandably, it's tough to be stretched to two roles, but it would be silly not to explore the option of including him in the coaching set-up in the near future.
French identity
France need identity and they need it quickly. With Marc Lievremont and Philippe Saint-Andre, there was never really indication of what you would get from Les Bleus, but now France needs consistency of selection and a firm idea of where the team is going.
They are too good to be referred to as a side who are just 'dangerous on their day' or that it all depends on which team turns up. Guy Noves needs to come in and get all of them moving to the same beat. If you look at the Top 14, they don't lack for talent.
Italian promise
Life without Sergio Parisse is on the horizon for these guys, and they need to show some indication that Italian rugby will continue to get stronger despite his absence. Parisse has always been a selfless player, and in that fashion he would love nothing more than for Italy to improve once he's moved on.
With Scotland showing signs of genuine improvement, Italy need to do the same if they are to avoid the wooden spoon on a regular basis.
