Nick Mallett has not conceded the England head coach job to Stuart Lancaster and will arrive in London this week determined to convince Rugby Football Union chiefs he should be appointed.
The waters were muddied when Mallett praised the interim coach and his players after the 30‑9 win over Ireland on Saturday earned England second place in the Six Nations.
“You can’t see the RFU wanting to change a coach when you look at the team and how happy they are,” Mallett told South African television.
However, the former South Africa and Italy coach was merely expressing his admiration for the job done with a squad of players that his supporters continue to believe will be enhanced under his experienced command.
It is understood Mallett’s praise went beyond what was intended to be a generous gesture and Lancaster now faces a real head‑to‑head battle with the former Richmond forward for the job.
Lancaster is taking nothing for granted and has put together what he believes is a powerful presentation which outlines his vision for the squad in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup which England will host.
However, a ‘dream team’ of Mallett working alongside Wayne Smith, who helped New Zealand win the 2011 World Cup, will demand close consideration by the five-man advisory panel.
