Rugby Union:It's back to the drawing board

STEVE HANSEN has done a good job as Wales caretaker coach - but the time has come for him to step aside.

That is not a reflection on Hansen's abilities as a coach, but more a realisation of the depth of the crisis currently facing our game.

A few weeks ago I felt Steve would be a sound appointment to at least take us through to next year's World Cup. But the experience of Twickenham a week ago has changed my mind.

With no leadership from the Welsh Rugby Union, the major clubs tearing each other apart, and the players so disillusioned as to contemplate strike action, this is no time for an outsider.

We need someone who understands our game, the relationships between clubs, what makes Welsh players tick, and the politics at work in the system.

I believe Steve is a talented coach as well as a hard task- master. Already he has shown a welcome ruthless streak after being shocked by some of the players' fitness levels.

But at the moment we need to rely on our own strengths. That is why I would rather see the job given to either Gareth Jenkins of Llanelli or Mike Ruddock at Ebbw Vale. I would also consider Neath's Lyn Jones and Paul Turner at Gloucester although it may be a little early for that pair.

To be honest, I have already written off the next World Cup as far as being able to challenge the major countries. But we should find a way back to respectability in time for that tournament and then build towards success for the one after.

Now we must turn our attention to the match against Scotland next Saturday, which will be a scrap between two very ordinary teams.

There are a few lessons which need to be learned in terms of approach and selection. One of those is that Wales have to pick pace right along their back three. That means Daffyd James has to play at centre, where he looks far happier, than on the wing. If Stephen Jones is still unfit then maybe it is time for Lee Jarvis to be given a chance at No.10.

I was one of those who called for Iestyn Harris to be brought in last autumn and I still believe he will become a massive part of this Welsh side.

But unfortunately, Iestyn has suffered by playing in a poor side low on confidence and he needs to rebuild his own self-belief at club level.

What we need on Saturday is a performance that shows pride, skill and passion. Hopefully, that will be enough for a victory which will solve little in itself but at least provide a feelgood factor at the end of the championship.

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