Former England head coach Andy Robinson will venture back into the international scene. He will do so as Scotland’s coach and first up are the tricky Fijians. It’s hard to believe that three years ago Robinson left the reigns of English Rugby. A time no doubt he will be happy to forget that is in terms of statistic anyway, nine wins out of twenty two games.
It is difficult to judge Robinsons International managerial talent. Lets face it the task of England was difficult for anyone. He took over at time when English rugby had many a change of guard and old battered war heroes retired with their world cup medal firmly pinned to their chests. English rugby had peaked. Under Clive Woodward English rugby was seven years waiting to peak. It finally did in winning the world cup. Robinson was not going to be given time to rebuild. World Champions have never fallen as quickly as the English rugby team.
England is still seeking a team that can justify its World Championship title. Robinsons tenure as England manager did him few favours. However he has gone on to a successful time as Edinburgh head coach. Success that has opened the door back to international rugby again. He now has a team were expectation is limited. There’s no world cup or glorified players to defend.
Robinson can quietly go about his business in Scotland. As things are he seems to be pressing all the right buttons up North. Most noticeably he has learnt the importance of the press. This week players have been doing media work for all but one day. Robinson has even invited fans and journalist to an open training session, as he says himself " the open session is important to kick of the autumn international".
Robinson is also making big decisions. Allister Hoggs is replaced by a young twenty two year old Alex Grove. Hoggs was Scottish captain last season. Robinson has overcome his fear of the press. As England coach he was always heavily criticised. Robinson seems to have overcome this and is happy to be back in the spot light. This time Robinson is there as a proven coach after his success with Edinburgh.
As like any sport, results will count to how good Robinson is as an international manager. We would expect Scotland to win this weekend, but we can make allowances for a new manager. But unlike in England he has a whole new nation of talent and players to choose from, a lot more than what he had down North. To the Scottish players he will have new ideas. Ideas that got lost in the transition in England. Coaching England was a case of teaching old dogs old tricks. Now it’s new for all concerned. The autumn internationals are about pulling one over the big teams, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The coming tests are the building process. Like all managers The Six Nations will define Robinson as an international manager.
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