Lancaster classes Fiji as pool threat; Planet Rugby

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has joined the applause being directed at Fiji following their Pacific Nations Cup final win against Samoa.

Warren Gatland also found time to praise Fiji after Monday's victory and now Lancaster has joined him, despite having not yet watched the game.

"A big thing we have been watching has been the Pacific Nations Cup. I haven't seen the game yet from last night, but I understand that Fiji beat Samoa in the final. We've had a good look at Fiji in the past couple of weeks," the head coach told England Rugby's official website.

"The 30-all draw against Samoa [earlier in the competition] was an impressive performance and they've now gone on to beat them. It isn't just two teams in our pool that are a threat, I can tell you.

"You watch these games from the Pacific Nations Cup and [you realise] this is an extremely tough pool. We knew that at the time when it was drawn but now it is boiling down to it, it is going to come down to the wire."

With Fiji having impressed, the focus now switches to fellow pool rivals Wales and Australia, who play Ireland and New Zealand respectively on Saturday.

"There are some fascinating games to come, especially this weekend with Australia-New Zealand. We've obviously been keeping one eye on it and have been doing our analysis," added Lancaster.

"When we beat them in November I thought they were excellent and that it was a very good win for us. They gave us a really hard time in defence.

"If you add on the quality players that are now fit and available for them, he's had longer to work with them and they're concentrating on set-piece. They've got stronger as a team and have a high calibre of player across the board."

Good to see Fiji get some praise.

Lancaster is a very good ambassador for English culture, much like Lynagh is to Australia . Very intelligent coach and will not underestimate any opponent. Their preparations will be thorough. I remember him when reading around coaching material many, many years ago. He was one of the first coaches to pick up on league as the answer for attacking solutions to modern defences. He has an immaculate understanding of backplay and all facets of the game. Wish we had more just like him.

One should never underestimate ones opponents, that is foolish in the extreme. He just affords the opposition respect, everyone should. 
He is from the North of England, League country, but I'm afraid he is very fastidious anyway and was a Fullback when he played, so he certainly knows that side of the game from experience. I saw him play often and he was a decent player, an attacking Fullback, some might say  
 
I am rather annoyed with some of his choices for the RWC and his obsession with Sam Burgess grates terribly. But, on the whole, I am still very pleased with him, as an England supporter. 

 He has evolved Englands game well. They and Australia, as things stand, look the real threat for taking it all.

 He has, but we are still not there yet.And his failure to include the likes of Elliot Daly really does grate. If he leaves out Henry Slade because he is insistent Burgess will play Midfield, there will be a lot of pretty miffed England supporters.
As I have always said, I am not sure we are capable of winning, but we live in hope ! I think it is a RWC too soon for us if we continue to bring on the players that need to be in the ranks.