Johnson primed for battle ahead
Such is the injury crisis that has engulfed the England rugby union team this autumn that, when Martin Johnson enters the room, you half expect him to stagger about like a 19th century naval surgeon, his white tunic splashed with blood, a bottle of ether under one arm and a severed limb under the other.
Johnson has seen his best-laid plans and best-known team holed below the water line ahead of this Saturday's battle against Australia. At the last count, 27 men from his elite and Saxon crews were laid up in the infirmary, the hamstrung Mike Tindall the latest to limp out.
You could forgive him for cursing like an old sea-dog. In private, maybe he has. But in public at least, this battle-hardened old admiral is turning a blind eye to the danger signals.
"We're not talking about excuses," he says fiercely. "We're not talking about the guys who aren't here, we're talking about the guys who are here. That's the way it is. Coaches are used to injury. Maybe not this many - of course not - but that's where we are. We're getting ready to play."
Johnson, sitting sternly at the bridge of an upmarket Surrey hotel just round the corner from England's training headquarters, is an obdurate combination of calm and combative.
Martin Johnson is not willingly accepting criticism of his England team
With his trusty captain Steve Borthwick on his left-hand side and a flotilla of journalists at anchor around him, he repels all attempted attacks with consummate ease.
"England are notoriously slow starters...." begins one skirmish, and Johnson has his sights trained in a flash.
"We won our first game last year," he growls. "Are you saying the years before that?"
The chap tries again. "Well, traditionally England have..."
"I'm not sure you can say traditionally. Look at the All Blacks this season. They didn't play so well at the start, had a few injuries, lost to France. We're all more comfortable as a team in what we're doing. Teams are always going to improve as they play together and train together."
It happens again when Borthwick is repeatedly asked how much more competitive England will be this month than they were in the corresponding run of fixtures a year ago.
Borthwick, as is his style, talks about "aiming to do our very best" and "controlling what we can control".
"But how much more competitive?" he is asked again. He has another go, in the same sort of language, and is interrupted again.
Johnson wades into the fray without a second thought. "We'll see, won't we?" he says with a thumping glare. "We were beating Australia with about an hour gone, weren't we?"
"But you were losing at the final whistle," replies the brave assailant.
"Well, we'll see," rumbles Johnson. "We'll find out at the end of the match - that's why we play the game."
Australia sail into Saturday's match with a miserable sequence of results in their wake. Robbie Deans' men have lost six of their last seven Tests, been beaten seven times on the bounce by the All Blacks and finished bottom of the Tri-Nations, but Johnson has seen too much in his stellar career to walk blithely into a daft headline.
"They play the top two teams in the world a lot; they've beaten South Africa this year. It's going to be harder to get wins. They're used to playing at a very high level, so there's no way we're going to read anything into those losses.
"They're a pretty young side, but they've been very competitive. They've been winning them at certain stages but not been able to close them out. South Africa were the team who have done that best this year; before that it was the All Blacks.
"That's where you want to get to - be the team that finds the way to win the close ones in the last 10 minutes, and they've been very close in a few games. We've got no doubt as to the severity of the test we'll face at the weekend."
Johnson is not a man, it is fair to say, who goes big on public displays of emotion. Pretty much only time that brooding mask has cracked since he took over as England manager was when .
Just as this week's announcement that he has been voted Player of the Century in a new public poll failed to have him cracking open the champagne, so the loss of his entire first-choice front row has not left him drowning his sorrows.
"Delon (Armitage) last year got his opportunity through injury - now he finds himself injured, and someone else gets the chance," he says. "From the coaches' point of view, we want continuity as much as we can get it, but there are always going to be changes.
"Hopefully these injuries are an exceptional period, and by the Six Nations we'll be in the 90% region of who we can pick from."
Neither does Johnson look the slightest bit bothered by criticisms from some quarters that England have failed to make sufficient progress under his stewardship.
Former reckons that Johnson "desperately" needs a win on Saturday ("Last year's autumn internationals weren't great, the Six Nations weren't outstanding, and he's been in the job for over a year"). England also probably have only 22 games until their opening fixture in the next World Cup. At the same point in the cycle before Johnson's successful 2003 World Cup campaign, England were both more settled and more consistent than they are now.
"We're getting better," he says calmly, "but improvement is a continual thing. We've got some experienced older guys back - Moody, Thompson, Wilkinson - and then you can factor in the ones who are coming through, like and Matt Banahan. You've got a good mix there."
Johnson has had referee Wayne Barnes working with his squad in training this week, aiming to cut down on the number of yellow cards that plagued them during his first year in charge. He has also spoken in depth to Bryce Lawrence, the man who will be in charge at Twickenham this weekend. "We've done a pretty thorough job in that area," he says with obvious satisfaction.
The key battle, he is certain, will come in a theatre of conflict that he used to relish as a younger combatant.
"The breakdown is a huge part of it. If they're winning quick ball and are able to attack off that, they're going to put any team under pressure. But it's the same with us - if we can win quick ball and get over the gain line, we're going to be in the game.
"You've got to be smart in that area and you've got to be effective. You watch the best in the world do it and they take it to the limit. If you're making an offensive tackle and you're knocking blokes back, you're in the forefront. If they're coming through shoulders and gaps, you're going to struggle to slow that down."
Johnson, be in no doubt about it, expects every man to do his duty.
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Comment number 1.
At 3rd Nov 2009, boils wrote:You're right Tom. As a fellow journalist, I can testify that we are always looking for a cheap shot at winners. Take a look at the Rafa Benetiz coverage recently.
However I like often this blog. Its a great test and the return of Wilkinson is undoubtedly the biggest plus. Is it bigger enough to overcome inexperience? Yes. And with Geragty and along with proven finishers, the pressure is on the pack to hold up and put the Aussies on the backfoot.
Without a win here, playing Argentina will be tricky and the ABs daunting. No pijt crossing our fingers. Far better to have a gameplan. This is an important game for Johnson especially as the 6 Nations features important home games.
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Comment number 2.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Hookers_armpit wrote:Tom... seems like you are still warming up. Wheres the article?
Martin Johnson gruffly straight bats a few loaded questions? I'm not sure the desperate sailing/naval analogy makes up for a lack of content here..
Maybe talk about tactics and potential strategy rather than just personalities? Rugby fans tend to like a few facts to mull over other than celebrity drivel.
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Comment number 3.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Tom wrote:Well said Hookers_armpit though I'm not sure it's Tom's fault. I suspect the 91Èȱ¬ does not want to support rugby fans with decent coverage online. Ooops
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Comment number 4.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Chris wrote:Oh why oh why did he have to retire? Surely Martin Johnson wouldn't let a little thing like age stop him.
At least England aren't playing South Africa. It's going to be a difficult enough series as it is. I sometimes doubt the wisdom of playing the best teams in the world when you are trying to gel a new team and build confidence through back to back wins. A couple of easier games where the team gets a lot of ball and space letting the backs familiarise themselves with how they all play might be good. But any advantage you might get from playing some smaller teams would have been negated by the injuries considering much of this squad wouldn't be in the starting line up.
Anyone know if they pick the fixtures in terms of what would be good for the team, or on what gate receipts the RFU will get?
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Comment number 5.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Pash666 wrote:Maybe it's me, but has anyone noticed there's only 3 props in the match-day 22 (Bell, Payne, Wilson)? Unless things have changed over the last few days, there should be at least 4 props in the 22!
Any thoughts?
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Comment number 6.
At 3rd Nov 2009, chris harding wrote:errrrmm...only 3 props...is that legal...?
who's playing 15...Cueto?..and no other back 3 cover...?
But there are 3 guys who can play 10..?
No Foden, no Kennedy...really?
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Comment number 7.
At 3rd Nov 2009, BennyBlanco wrote:It speaks volumes about the lack of confidence I have in Johnson and the management when I look at the players sent home. Foden and Tait, two extremely talented runners who have both played 15 more than Monye, Nick Kennedy, the best 2nd row in the country, Armitage, the only genuine openside meaning Moody is going to once again try and convince us he is a true 7...the only surprise however is that they sent home Worsley. I was sure they'd pick him at 8 instead of the young Crane or the "Brand" Haskell. Progressive Martin, progressive.
I hope I am proved wrong and my negativity is in vain. I'd be happy with a dreadful win overall against Australia, but I think the likely XV selected is still capable of more, even with injuries and better players being left out. Much will depend on how the anonymous front 5 perform. Jon Wells HAS to get them generating quick ball from the breakdown. I think they will leave the likes of Moody and Croft with too much to do. Mostly however, I'll be pleased just to see if everyone has a genuine clue to what they are supposed to be doing, rather than 80 minutes of mindless nothingness.
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Comment number 8.
At 3rd Nov 2009, chris harding wrote:..sorry, and no Armitage but three tall flankers against a squad including both George Smith and Phil Waugh....errrm...are we just planning on kicking the ball to touch....?
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Comment number 9.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Hookers_armpit wrote:ancientfullback
Steady on - Croft is quick to the breakdown and Moody too...
Full back - the wrong call has been made. A full back should play full back. Monye isn't first pick FB for Quins and shouldn't be for England.
Heaven knows how the front five will perform but that selection is largely out of MJs hands...
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Comment number 10.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Hookers_armpit wrote:PS - its not like Foden can cover scrum half as well!
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Comment number 11.
At 3rd Nov 2009, 0darroch wrote:Firstly, welcome back Tom! I know it's your second post since the triathlon, but thought I'd say it anyway - hope the hammy is feeling ok!
It's an interesting team selection. I think the backs are exciting, Hipkiss should be playing anyway, regardless of injuries, and with JW and SG at 10 and 12, we could have an excellent midfield there. Banahan is quite a prospect, and with Monye's extreme pace, we could rip teams apart there.
The concern for me is the pack. I think with regards to the 3 props, all the rules stipulate is that there must be 5 players in the 22 who are trained to play in the front row. We have the starting 3, and a prop and a hooker on the bench, so perfectly legal.
Assuming Borthwick plays, I would have started Kennedy alongside him, with Lawes to come on a an impact player. Deacon is good, but not great. I agree with the lack of a genuine openside, Moody is good there but better at 6, I believe. Croft is truly world class and is a shoe in, and Crane is a wonderful prospect at 8 - not quite the finished article, but great for the future.
My problem is that there is a lack of 'grunt' in the scrum. All are very nice players, but there is little bulk and bruising there. Smith is in a different league to our back row, and will almost certainly control the breakdown, unless Moody plays out of his skin. We should dominate the lineout, with five possible jumpers, and I think scrummaging will be about equal.
I think it hinges on our backs defense. Can we keep the Aussies from busting through our line? I hope so. It should be a great game.
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Comment number 12.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Tom Fordyce wrote:Hookers_armpit - a feisty response befitting a front row's username. Nice. Who would you pick at full-back - Foden? His was the omission from the 22 that caused the most surprise when it was read out at England HQ.
BennyBlanco - yup, I thought S Armitage would at least be in the 22.
Chris10563 - on the fixture-picking front, what would your guess be?
0darroch - hammy good cheers. Plantar fascar another story for another time... Interesting what Johnson was saying about Lawes - waxed lyrical about him, about his attitude in training, his physical skills, how he's fitted in. And he should know.
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Comment number 13.
At 3rd Nov 2009, LeedsNick wrote:I think the new rules for having 2 props on the subs bench only currently applies to club rugby? Not international rugby. Mores the pity!
It looks like Monye is going to be fullback... big mistake. Need a confident big kicking player who plays fullback for their club. England should beat Australia at home this weekend... if they win the breakdown... be interesting to see if George Smith plays... if he does, it will be harder for England because he will play out of his skin after being dropped!
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Comment number 14.
At 3rd Nov 2009, LeedsNick wrote:And Yes... I'd have picked Ben Foden at fullback or... at least on the bench! England have 2 fly halves on the pitch already. They don't need Goode on the bench.
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Comment number 15.
At 3rd Nov 2009, No Rules Only Laws wrote:The pack is my worry. The front row is out of Johnno's hands bar, possibly, Hartley who I reckon he'd have put in there anyway with Mears on the bench (if he was fit obviosuly). Also, want to flag up what 0darroch said above, internationals still only have one prop on the bench hence it being a matchday 22 rather than a matchday 23 like in the GP and HC etc.
I still wouldn't have Borthwick there in normal circumstances but for this weekend he is the right pick. Ideally with Shaw but he isn't fully match fit currently. I would've certainly put Lawes ahead of Deacon. I'm not a Deacon fan at all! Maybe Lawes gets 20 minutes of game time this week then a full match next?
The back row is exactly what I would choose. Moody is a dog and will more than capably battle it out with Smith and/or Waugh. Croft is a superb talent and a future captain. Crane is the best of the current 8's in the GP.
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Comment number 16.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Sam Giblett wrote:"My problem is that there is a lack of 'grunt' in the scrum. All are very nice players, but there is little bulk and bruising there. Smith is in a different league to our back row, and will almost certainly control the breakdown, unless Moody plays out of his skin. We should dominate the lineout, with five possible jumpers, and I think scrummaging will be about equal."
Are you forgetting about Belly? he adds some needed beef and experiece to the front row. Banahan should do really well and has the potential to become a truely great player hopefully these tests will provide him the platform to shine and cement his place in an england shirt.
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Comment number 17.
At 3rd Nov 2009, SeanPF wrote:Don't rate foden at all. Doesn't have pace like other 15s i.e. Steyn, James O'Connor, Muliaina etc. Biggest surprises were no Strettle, Tait and Kennedy. Back 3 of Strettle, Monye and Cueto would have been ideal. Banahan isn't smart enough for top-level international rugby i don't think. Doesn't give the impression of a 'natural', sort of someone who can play whats in front of him and see space. Just seems like a big lump who can run thru people and has added minor things to his game. Like to have seen:
Wilkinson, Geraghty and Tait at 10-12/13.
Kennedy/Shaw and Borthwick 4 & 5.
Back row of Croft, Armitage and Easter. Pace and experience
Disappointing match day squad MJ!
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Comment number 18.
At 3rd Nov 2009, LeedsNick wrote:Phil Waugh hasn't been selected for this tour. And someone said Foden hasn't got pace? He's fast! At least over 30m... Foden or Tait at Fullback for me...
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Comment number 19.
At 3rd Nov 2009, Hookers_armpit wrote:Thanks for the response Tom - hope it didn't sound too gnarly.
I've been looking forward to seeing Foden get a chance. The first time in years that the back three looked good was when we were forced to pick a real full back last year (Armitage). I am pretty annoyed that we are using wingers as a makeshift. Monye and Cueto are not first choice picks at FB for their clubs and should not be for England.
That said, the backs should have a bit of punch and razor. Its up to the forwards to get it to them. We won't know if that can happen till Saturday. The engine room seems a bit tepid to me - Borthwick will no doubt try very hard but Deacon has to prove to a lot of people he is top drawer.
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Comment number 20.
At 4th Nov 2009, Chris wrote:On those fixtures Mr Fordyce, I reckon the RFU hands a list of the possible fixtures to Rob Andrew and Martin Johnson and informs them of how much each match will bring in. They might also mention which ones Sky are interested in broadcasting. RA and MJ would then be encouraged to think of the financial and playing aspects when they advise on which fixtures they think should be chosen and on what dates. The RFU would then decide. Obviously this is all conjecture.
As Fiji and Samoa are in the area and the main way their national unions get money is by playing fixtures abroad and getting a cut, it would have been great both for them and for the England team if the first England game had been against one of those two.
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Comment number 21.
At 4th Nov 2009, miles anderson wrote:Putting Geraghty in midfield is absurd! I've been following this guy for the last 6 years ; he's a born fly half, he's instinctive, he's got a great boot and he's much faster than Wilkinson. He improvises brilliantly and he's a match winner and if allowed to get the experience as England' s fly half he 'll be the greatest one we've seen in a long while.Playing him at centre is wasting this genius and not allowing him to fulfill his potential. Shame. MJ should know better.
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Comment number 22.
At 4th Nov 2009, akaTommySmith wrote:This piece seems like padding to me. Describes a standard press conference I watched on sky. Sheds no new light. Johnson is always gruff.
What about talking to some of the other players; discussing what team will be; how players have been performing; how this is a chance for the young guns; what style of play Johnson will employ... even a bit about Aussie form.
Had hoped for a lot more.
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Comment number 23.
At 4th Nov 2009, BennyBlanco wrote:Miles, you may or may not have a point, but while Jonny is fit and playing he is always going to play 10, and after Geraghty the next fit available candidate capable of playing 12 is............................
Possibly me? So luckily Geraghty is fit (currently) and has the ability to fill in.
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Comment number 24.
At 4th Nov 2009, captainlazytim wrote:maybe if Johnson had the grapes to pick a squad to go forward with he'd have less injuries, or if the RFU had backed Woodie post-2003. They are in a mess of their own making, and Johnson is totally out of his depth. Too many of the injured players are veteran players who were back-ups in 2003, and should not still be playing.
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Comment number 25.
At 4th Nov 2009, fatprop wrote:I do feel that many people are looking at the individuals rather than the team, and concentrating a little too much on the likely Aus gameplan rather than our own. I think the selection is indicative of our probable gameplan: back row selection for ball retention and continuity; tight five to squeeze the Aussies and bully them off the ball; a kicking midfield that will keep the Aussies turning, and some serious gas/grunt to score tries. If anything, this is a departure from the old England, IMHO, as I think we will be looking at fast, wide play.
Rather than doing what too many managers do - try to fit the round pegs (players) into the square holes (a clever game plan) - MJ has put together the best blend (in his view) of the best (available) players in the country and come up with a game plan that suits them. To win, England have to play their game, not Australia's.
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Comment number 26.
At 4th Nov 2009, iknowsitnow wrote:Whew!
If this was any of the other 3 Nations we simply wouldn't be able to put out a competitive team.
The year after Wales won the 2005 Grand Slam, we lost basically a whole XV due to injuries and guess what happened?
In respect of Jonno's press conference behaviour, what do you expect after reading some of the questions? It must be like talking to a bunch of 5 year olds - some of the questions mentioned simply can't be answered adequately e.g. 'how competitive are you going to be?'.
How Johnson and Co do not add a few expletive-deleteds to their replies is beyond me.
It's as if these journos just want to wind them up deliberately and then that becomes the story - it happened with Mike Tyson yesterday and Roy Keane a few weeks ago.
On a brighter note and despite prejudicial views to the contrary, I'm sure most of us will be hoping for all the European sides to do well over the course of the next month, so best of luck to England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy (until the 6th of Feb 2010 that is).
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Comment number 27.
At 4th Nov 2009, captainlazytim wrote:It's as if these journos just want to wind them up deliberately and then that becomes the story - it happened with Mike Tyson yesterday and Roy Keane a few weeks ago.
What? Keane was being an idiot, the is no reason he shouldn't answer questions about quitting when it's his most recognised managerial move. And winding up Mike Tyson, you mean like saying no to him?
Sportsmen should accept that their position comes with perks and responsibilities (Charles Barkely, anyone?), and answer the questions they are asked. I'm dissappointed no-one had the guts to ask Johnson if he would quit, given the 100% lack of progress under him.
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Comment number 28.
At 4th Nov 2009, riley_ives wrote:Foden should be at 15 monye on the wing and tait on bench. Kennedy should definately start, australian lineout was poor last week and he would have field day maybe pair him with lawes as him and borthwick not good pairing and borthwick on bench. Give croft a go as captain and build for the future! Borthwicks not good enough
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Comment number 29.
At 4th Nov 2009, Tom Fordyce wrote:So then - Steve Thompson back in. Anyone see that coming? The way Johnson was talking on Tuesday, it was just a question of whether Hartley was fit enough to start. If he's not fit, why is he on the bench? You have to assume he's fit - so Thompson must be in there as a pick in his own right...
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Comment number 30.
At 4th Nov 2009, fatprop wrote:Kennedy is an outstanding player but I still feel that the gameplan for the tight 5 involves bullying, so Deacon is the right man. Borthwick is captain, so won't be benched. I prefer the selected back 3 to the suggestion of Foden, but I'd have played Hartley before Thompson. Beautifully balanced backrow, provided Crane can keep his discipline. Really looking forward to the backs tearing the park apart. Hipkiss and Geraghty running lines off Wilkinson, with Monye and Cueto running off them. Banahan can run quickly in a straight line and is hard to tackle, but a bit limited, IMHO. My only real concerns are about the front row in the loose.
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Comment number 31.
At 4th Nov 2009, fabuniquemembername wrote:Typical safety-first selection from Johnson. No Hartley, no Foden, no Lawes...
It's lucky they're only playing Australia. South Africa or even the All Blacks would put 40 past that lot.
Steve Thompson? There's one for the future. Nice one, Johnno.
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Comment number 32.
At 4th Nov 2009, gav_gunn wrote:As a scot i'm looking forward to this game, and before you all jump to sterotypical veiws its not that i'm looking forward to England losing or because i think England are setting themselves up to lose. i am looking forward to seeing a few names playing for england that i think deserve and have deserved a shot for a few seasons. the main i'm excited by the hipkiss gerherty partnership that could be briliaint and with wilkinson back in the fray you've got a real play maker to release them. as of the rest of the back i dont think will be any weaknesses to shout about and am intriuged by what they may be able to do if wilko can get them involved and going forward. as with the forwards the may not have many familiar faces but again look to the future and get excited by the prospect of bringing potential futre England stalwarts into the picture!!
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Comment number 33.
At 4th Nov 2009, Craig Macdonald wrote:Loving the team. Forget injuries, a bit of experience back in Thompson and Jonny, some promising youngsters getting a chance now and a game at home against Australia - another team still developing. The great big mixer has just been turned on - can't wait for kick-off now.
Have England progressed under Johnson? Looking the 6 nations table from past two years to see any signs - same position 2nd, but in recent 6 nations Johnsons team averaged more points for, and less points against, and ran Wales & Ireland close. I reckon that should be framed "progress". Like any squad Johnson is learning about characters, not just ability, to make the team really tick. It takes time, and not many games for Johnson each year to really accelerate improvement. Softly softly catch a monkey and all that.
Was concerned about the front-row, but I remember Gatland praising Paynes' ability and impact briefly for the Lions, and Thompson is pretty experienced and a certain amount of bulk to call his own. Front row not too bad then. Would prefer Shaw, but then i'd prefer to be in the pub than in the office, can't have everything in life!!!
Rock on England, let's demand a pint at 2pm and enjoy. If it all goes wrong? There's Wales v New Zealand on afterwards. And i'll still be in a pub.
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Comment number 34.
At 4th Nov 2009, LABSAB9 wrote:1. At 6:23pm on 03 Nov 2009, boils wrote:
You're right Tom. As a fellow journalist, I can testify that we are always looking for a cheap shot at winners. Take a look at the Rafa Benetiz coverage recently.
However I like often this blog.
For a journalist that is very poor use of the English language!!!
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Comment number 35.
At 4th Nov 2009, rugbydoc wrote:Great content here.
Ugo at full-back? Hope the Aussies didn't see the Quins-Toulouse game...
Care at 9? Why not Joe Simpson on the bench?
Do we need Goode on the bench with 2 10's in the team?
Hopefully JW will swap around with SG at 12 to mix it up.
Agree George Smith may make the difference.
Til Saturday.
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Comment number 36.
At 8th Nov 2009, Harry of Nuneaton wrote:from yesterday's match it seems we again relied on the remaining members of the 2003 RWC side to hold things together ( Wilkinson Thompson and Moody who were far and away the best England players) - it's 6 years ago, guys, where's the progress ? where's the new talent ?. Too many players appeared out of their depth against, let's face it, a fairly mundane Wallabies side, although in their favour they have a real star in the making in Will Genia.
Not really very confident about facing the Pumas next Saturday, and there's no way the Blacks will be having sleepless nights.
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