Thursday, September 3, 2009

Coaches critical of Ashes changes

Luke Ricketson
Ricketson scored twice as Australia sealed a 3-0 series win in 2003

Past and present Great Britain coaches have voiced their disapproval at Rugby Football League plans to incorporate the Ashes into the Four Nations event.

England face Australia plus France and New Zealand in the inaugural event next month and the RFL wants the Australia matches to be played for the Ashes.

"I think it devalues the challenge," former GB coach Brian Noble said.

Successor Tony Smith added: "I'd prefer it as a stand-alone contest rather than as part of another tournament."

Great Britain last won the Ashes in 1970, and Australia's 3-0 whitewash in the most recent event in 2003 gave them a 13th successive series victory.

The demise of tours between the two hemispheres means there is unlikely to be a suitable period for them to take on Australia in a three-match series in the foreseeable future.

England meet Australia at Wigan on 31 October in the second round of matches in the expanded tri-nations tournament, which now features France for the first time.

606: DEBATE
Will the Ashes be devalued?

Noble was also unhappy with the idea of an English team rather than a British one competing in the Ashes.

"I'm a firm believer in the Great Britain concept," he said. "The Great Britain identity was the best one to play the Ashes under.

"My firm belief is that a lot of the Great Britain teams that went close had a Welsh aspect and a lot of different nationalities."

The former coach also believes a three-match series is the only way to contest an Ashes series.

"We've shown over the last 25 years that we can beat Australia in a one-off game - I've coached a team that has beaten them at Sydney Football Stadium, their own ground, and there is no finer feeling," he said.

"But I think the challenge of the Ashes is to beat them in a three-match rubber. I genuinely feel that."

ะพ 8:19 AM

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