James Haskell has blamed Stuart Lancaster for his darkest day facing Wales (Image: Getty)
James Haskell has pointed the finger at Stuart Lancaster for one of his most disappointing days in an jersey. England were heavily tipped to win a Grand Slam in 2013 when they visited Cardiff in the final round – but things didn’t go to plan as ended up lifting the trophy instead.
Warren Gatland was still in charge back then and he led his team to a resounding 30-3 win, which remains their biggest victory in the rivalry. Ex- star Haskell was brought on by then-coach Lancaster for his 50th cap when England were already trailing by 24 points. And as England return to the Principality Stadium on Saturday hoping to celebrate their best return in the Six Nations since 2020, the retired back-rower recalled how what should have been one of his best days for England became memorable for all the wrong reasons. “I think my worst memory would be the Grand Slam-losing game,” he told after being asked his worst memory facing Wales.
“Stuart Lancaster giving me eight minutes at the end to get my 50th cap, thus robbing me of getting to lead the country out and also, you know, getting absolutely pumped. And with eight minutes to go, what the f*** did he think I was going to do? It was 33 points to five or something. Like, I’m good, but I’m not that good!”
Haskell, 39, is set to feature alongside host Alex Payne and Mike Tindall in a special live episode of The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast at the Hampton Court Palace Festival on Sunday, June 15. The former Wasps stalwart – who clinched a Premiership title with the club in 2008 – was one of England’s top back-rowers of his era, despite not being able to turn the tide in Cardiff that day.
However, Haskell’s experiences in the Welsh capital weren’t all negative, as he contributed to three English victories at what was once the Millennium Stadium. And two of those wins occurred during Six Nations tournaments England ultimately won.
Haskell lifted the Six Nations trophy on three occasions during a glittering career (Image: The RFU Collection via Getty)
‘s team realistically need to triumph over France on Saturday for them to have a shot at the title. This situation is particularly vexing given England are the only team this year to have defeated Les Bleus.
Lancaster won 28 of his 46 games in charge of England over a four-year spell but was relieved of his duties after a dismal effort as hosts at the 2015 . Still, his win percentage of 60.9% was superior to Borthwick, who has won only 17 of his 32 matches in charge (53.1%).
Reflecting on England’s more successful ventures to Cardiff, Haskell played the entire 80 minutes when they overcame Wales 21-16 in Cardiff in 2015. Despite running straight into a post in front of 74,000 spectators, he regards that evening as one of his finest outings against the Welsh.
That time when James Haskell ran into a rugby post ??????
— BBC Wales ?????????????????????????????????????????? (@BBCWales)
“One of my best memories was ironically actually that Friday night where I ran into the post where I had one of the best games I played bar that sort of moment,” he said. “And everyone was singing ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’, and we kind of took over the whole of the Principality, which was a big moment.”
Saturday’s match falls just as Wales look to have rediscovered themselves following some robust performances under interim head coach Matt Sherratt. The upcoming bout represents a colossal challenge both teams will treat as a final, with a lot more than just bragging rights at stake.
The Good, The Bad & The Rugby will perform at the 29th edition of the Hampton Court Palace Festival on Sunday, June 15. Purchase tickets via the official .