Mallinder refuses to rule himself out England job

The knives are now out for the head coach Stuart Lancaster and his England charges – which include Bath’s George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Sam Burgess, Anthony Watson, Rob Webber and David Wilson – following the crushing disappointment of the host nation’s exit from the Rugby World Cup.

“They have been in contact with us wanting to speak to us, but I don’t know what the process will be”, said England’s assistant coach Andy Farrell, who refused to comment further.

“Had they taken those three points I don’t think this would have been the same so I rang Stuart in the week”.

Now, it appears the former Italy coach will be in the frame again to get the job so many in English rugby believe he is well suited to deal with although Sir Clive Woodward, Jacke White and Eddie Jones will also be in the frame. Jake White, who guided South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title, said he had already been approached in the past.

England crashed out of the World Cup with a 33-13 defeat by Australia last Saturday and Burgess’s contribution to the group campaign was one start and two replacement appearances. Luther thought he’d done enough both at Premiership and global level to justify being in the squad. And then when we go for the line-out, we throw to the front – which is the easiest ball to defend against.

“This is an important game for rugby in the north of England and we want to give those people who have been looking forward to this game something to cheer about”.

The unfortunate Stuart Lancaster reacted with surprise when told of Mallet’s claim, telling reporters, “I didn’t know that…”

The battle for top spot is all that remains to be decided in the pool, with Australia facing Wales at Twickenham next Saturday, while England face an anti-climactic trip to Manchester to play minnows Uruguay.

Burrell was the last player cut from England’s 31-man squad after he lost out to Sam Burgess, even though the rugby league convert had only one cap to his name. “Because I built it. Things need to be done better, there’s no doubt about it”.

“I think it was pure enjoyment, the boys spent four years giving up their lives to enjoy this World Cup”, Lemoine said. I think it is right to have an insight (from the players). Chris Robshaw remains as openside and captain.

“We want to make sure they come back into a team that’s doing well and a good environment”.

Asked if that had helped him reach conclusions, he said: “It was raining most of the time, so we didn’t talk that much”.