Mike Ford: 'England selection must be more positive'

Bath Rugby coach Mike Ford has insisted that England need to be more positive in their team selection for their Rugby World Cup match against Australia.

Stuart Lancaster made three changes for the defeat to Wales at the weekend, including dropping fly-half George Ford for Owen Farrell, while also bringing in Sam Burgess and Billy Vunipola.

The Bath coach told BBC Radio 5 live: "For me, he has to pick a team to win. I think the selection this weekend was a team not to lose, but we have to throw everything at Australia.

"He has to put confidence in the team and give them the courage to go out and play. He has to pick an attacking team. When I was with England, one of the things we got wrong was picking a competitive team not to lose, and you don't win anything, ultimately you don't win the big prizes.

"I think it is a negative approach and it is something I learned during my time with England."

Ford spent five years as England's defence coach before taking up his role with Bath.