News

Johnson's students fail the Test

November 29 2008

England boss Martin Johnson believes his side will have learned what international rugby is all about after enduring a difficult November series.

A comprehensive 32-6 loss to New Zealand made it three straight defeats against southern hemisphere opposition at Twickenham for Johnson's men.

The hosts did at least turn in an improved performance just seven days after their hammering at the hands of South Africa, though they still failed to score a try.

In contrast the All Blacks crossed for three scores, full-back Mils Muliaina claiming a brace, to seal a third Grand Slam of Europe for the Kiwis.

"A lot of our guys were playing a Test series for the first time now know what it physically and mentally takes to play at this level," Johnson said, speaking to Sky Sports.

"We know we have lots of guys that can play at this level. We have still got some areas that we need to improve as a team.

"Things like composure, the intangibles. There were times [on Saturday] where we needed to take a grip on the game and slow it down and we didn't do that and paid for it.

"It feels like three weeks on the trot where we have had the chance to be in a game at half-time and then not had the composure or execution, nor played well enough in the second half, to do it."

England's cause was not helped by referee Alain Rolland showing four yellow cards during the course of the 80 minutes.

Lee Mears and James Haskell were sin-binned in the first half and then Toby Flood followed soon after the break. Replacement Tom Rees was the last to fall foul of the official in the closing minutes of the game.

And while admitting the cards "didn't help", Johnson refused to use the referee's performance as an excuse.

"The sin-bins didn't help. To have four guys in one game is pretty unusual," Johnson admitted.

"I haven't seen the incidents but there were times today when we had them under pressure and their guys were in the back of our ruck and we didn't get anything for it.

"Despite that, we have still got to be better. We have to be better at the breakdown. Maybe our guys have really got to learn that Test match rugby is all about pressure. When you make mistakes they kill you.

"They made mistakes but we didn't take our opportunities. We had a chance just after half-time to have it go our way and we didn't take it."

Johnson also believes the squad need to improve their fitness if they are to even begin competing with the world's best.

"We can improve there. It's never going to win you the game but it can put you in that position to win the game," he said.