Six Nations 2016: Nick Mallett backs England for the Grand Slam
Nick Mallett is backing new head coach Eddie Jones to capture the RBS Six Nations Grand Slam in his first season.
Mallett lost out to Stuart Lancaster when he was appointed England head coach in 2012.
The former South Africa and Italy coach offered England exactly the same experience that they have now chosen to use four years later in the shape of Jones. Mallett had been interviewed by the RFU and was prepared to bring a coaching team which included Wayne Smith, who played a key role in helping the All Blacks defend the World Cup last year.
The 59-year-old doesn’t hold any grudges but offered a critique of what he believes went wrong with England’s World Cup challenge, which ended in bitter disappointment, while backing Jones to win the Slam.
Mallett, who will be part of the Accenture Analysis Team during the RBS Six Nations, said: “It is strange how four years ago they [the RFU] decided to go with the local guy in Stuart when the opportunity was there to go with myself and Wayne Smith and now let’s see how Eddie does.
“Under Stuart, England tried to play a New Zealand style of game and they didn’t have the balance of players right in the pack.
“In the World Cup against Wales, the England selection got confused and I don’t believe that will be the case with Eddie.
“England will be favourites against Scotland [in their opening game on Saturday] and have their strongest opponents — Ireland and Wales — at home and they can get four wins and then head to France for the Championship title.”
Nick Mallett is part of the Accenture Analysis Team during the RBS Six Nations, providing fans with insight and analysis to #Seebeyond standard match data. Follow @AccentureRugby or visit accenture-rugby.com Download the Official RBS 6 Nations app.
