Ashton backed by Saracens coach Gustard after poor Six Nations

By Rob Wildman

PUBLISHED: 16:49 EST, 2 April 2013 | UPDATED: 02:14 EST, 3 April 2013

Chris Ashton, the under-fire England wing, has received the backing of Saracens defence coach Paul Gustard.

The club head into Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster at Twickenham believing Ashton is in excellent form despite his poor Six Nations campaign that led to an inquest into his tackling.

Ashton scored his first try in almost two months last Saturday, against Wasps, and Gustard expects more in the Heineken Cup.

Out of sorts: Ashton scored just one try in the Six Nations

Out of sorts: Ashton scored just one try in the Six Nations

Jumping for joy: Chris Ashton celebrates after scoring against Wasps

Jumping for joy: Ashton celebrates after scoring against Wasps last weekend

‘Even if Chris had not scored a try, it does not mean he’s not played well,’ Gustard said. ‘He’s done really, really well for us in the last two weeks and is in a good place after a good show at Wasps.

The problem of being a wing in rugby is that it’s a bit like being a goalkeeper in football. You are the last line in defence; a mistake can cost you.

‘Chris is not a bad defender. Sometimes, he misses a tackle but so what? Everyone misses a tackle,’ Gustard added.

On the run: Ashton charges upfield playing for Saracens

On the run: Ashton charges upfield playing for Saracens

He could also be Ashton’s coach on England’s summer tour of Argentina if he does not make the Lions trip to Australia.

Gustard is taking over temporarily because Andy Farrell will help coach the Lions with Warren Gatland.

‘I’m not going to change the way England defend,’ he said. ‘The system has worked well over the last season. It’s a matter of learning and developing as a coach.’

 

More...

 
Add your comments

Comments (4)

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

I hope you have made him aware of the "Tackle bag"?

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

Ashton should not be making the Lions' tour and shouldn't be making England's tour either.

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

Everyone does miss tackles, that is true but missing them is the default setting for Ashton. He's got no chance of making the Lions squad.

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

Poor 2 YEARS you mean!?! Can't believe the faith in this guy...its baffling. He wasn't a world beater to begin with yet has been given chances for years players twice his talent wouldn't get. If Habana had turned in this kind of 'form' he'd have been gone in less than 6months...

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

You have 1000 characters left.
Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.
For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.
Terms