OJO'S INSIDE LINE: Changes made no sense (From Wiltshire Times)

OJO'S INSIDE LINE: Changes made no sense

2:00pm Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport News

I WAS lucky enough to be at Twickenham for England’s win over France last weekend and, while being a thoroughly decent game, I must admit I left puzzled by what I had seen.

You wonder whether some coaches have a pre-planned idea about when they will make substitutions because France coach Philippe Saint-Andre’s changes were bizarre.

If anything, his changes weakened his team, who had given England a torrid time in the scrum.

England in contrast looked stronger for their changes and, effectively, the game was won by the bench, which shows just how crucial a match 22 is these days.

England were lucky with their try by Manu Tuilagi, but they looked in control.

There was no panic within the team and that’s the most pleasing aspect because it’s where they are as a side.

Italy are next but inevitably, a lot of people are looking ahead to what could be a Grand Slam match in Cardiff.

It doesn’t matter how poor any Welsh side is, you don’t go to Cardiff and win easily.

Meanwhile, it looks like a very interesting time could be on the cards at the RFU if, as seems likely, England’s most capped player Jason Leonard is named their president.

What a statement that will be, with the 2015 World Cup taking place in this country, if the builder from Barking gets the top job.

I’m really pleased for both Jason and the game as a whole because it shows where the RFU is at.

It would be a real break with the ‘old school’ and to get to that stage is wonderful for the game.

Jason has never struck me as a ‘gin and tonic’ man so it could be a very interesting period for the sport.

• Let Steve know your thoughts via wiltshiretimes.co.uk or ohoulihan@newswilts.co.uk