Lancaster looking to shed runners-up cloak

LONDON – After three consecutive years stuck with second-place finishes in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, England boss Stuart Lancaster are hoping the fourth time’s the charm.

Lancaster is 0-3 in his search for the trophy in the years he has been in charge of England’s squad, but is looking to finally win some silverware ahead of the World Cup.

However, he’ll have to go through Wales first.

England kicks off the tournament with a trip to Cardiff on February 6. A victory would not only give the Red Rose a boost going into a stretch of three home games in their final four, but also serve as vengeance for the 30-3 loss to Wales back in 2013 that cost them both the Championship and a Grand Slam.

A loss would set up a bitter psychological hurdle for when England meets the Welsh side in the group stage of this year’s World Cup on home soil.

Following the clash at Millennium Stadium, England host Italy, a team they have never lost to in Six Nations. The Red Rose then travel to Dublin before returning home to face Scotland and France.

Lancaster has already set his 34-man training squad, and is optimistic about his side’s outlook. “It is obvious that there is a lot of depth and competition in every position, which is what we want,” he said.

“Many players are putting their hand up and they have a chance to impress in training as we build towards the games against Wales.”