Johnson admires English patience
February 06 2010
England boss Martin Johnson saluted his side's ability to 'find a way to win' their Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham.
England triumphed 30-17, but they saw a 17-point advantage almost wiped out when Wales scored converted second-half tries through prop Adam Jones and centre James Hook.
Johnson though, finally breathed easily when flanker James Haskell claimed his second try, rounding off a 60-metre interception break that finished Wales off following an earlier touchdown by scrum-half Danny Care.
After the lethargy of England's autumn displays against Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, there was at last something for red rose fans to cheer.
And while it might have been nowhere near the finished article, Johnson at least had cause for optimism.
"I thought the patience we showed was good," he said.
"We had been there a little bit in the past year or so and not turned opportunities into points.
"We had a big focus not to start the second half flat. We wanted to raise the tempo, and I thought Danny Care did a tremendous job.
"The disappointing bit was losing our way in the middle period of the second half. They got a bit of pressure on our scrum.
"They scored two tries and we were under pressure, but ultimately we found a way to win and we took our try at the end very well. You have to find a way to win, and we did."
Johnson accepted that England have much to work on going into next weekend's clash against Italy, which is followed by a home clash against reigning Six Nations champions Ireland 13 days later.
He added: "We've had some tough losses, and games turn on small things, but we know there are lots and lots to get better at.
"There is a lot of improvement in us, and no-one is getting carried away. The guys understand they did some things well and some other things not so well."
England scored 17 points when Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones was off the field following a trip, but Johnson was non-committal about its influence on the result.
"We scored the 17 points. They didn't give them to us," he said.
"We've all been there and done silly things that have an influence on the game. We turned the pressure into scores at a crucial time - we showed great patience and execution.
"But we got a bit narrow in defence at times, and there are lots of things in all aspects of the game we can improve on.
"I thought our discipline in the contact area was very good.
"The massive game now is the one right in front of you.
"Of course there is a bit of relief, but also the frustration we can do better than that. We will enjoy the win, but we get back in next week and we know we can get better."
Man of the match Haskell was pleased to put smiles back on England fans' faces at Twickenham.
He said: "We've wanted a win for a long time. There was great spirit shown by the guys and we are very pleased with it.
"When we run down the tunnel before a game a few of us often say 'this (the crowd noise) is the reason we play'. Today is what playing rugby is all about."
Haskell, who scored two tries, added: "When you play Wales they are always a tough physical side who make things very difficult for you.
"We didn't do it for the full 80 minutes but we are very excited about what we are doing and this is a step in the right directon for us.
"It's about possession and taking control."
On his elaborate celebration for his second try - sparked by a Delon Armitage interception - which made the game safe for Martin Johnson's men, he said: "I had to do a bit of a dive - I'm going to get some stick for the celebration I'm sure."
Wales boss Warren Gatland admitted the first-half sin-binning of Alun-Wyn Jones had a "massive" effect on the game.
He said: "We are frustrated and disappointed.
"We felt that was a game that has slipped from our grasp. The yellow card has cost us 17 points - it was one of those things, stupid.
"It was massive. Sometimes those things are very, very costly, and it was for us today.
"We had stressed discipline over the past two weeks and talked about giving nothing soft away, and it is frustrating we have done that.
"He (Jones) has made an impulsive decision, and hopefully it is a learning experience for him and he doesn't do it again."
Gatland though, praised his team's second-half recovery that threatened a repeat of their 2008 fightback win when Wales trailed 19-6 and ended up winning by seven points.
"We got some quality ball in the second half," he added.
"We looked incredibly dangerous with quick ball. At 20-17 (behind), I thought we were going to win the match, but unfortunately we then threw an intercept pass.
"It is a feeling of complete frustration, but I am proud with the guts the players showed to come back like they did.
"I am really proud of the performance in terms of the character we showed, and I think you will see a really positive reaction."
Wales skipper Ryan Jones said: "Alun-Wyn has been around a long time.
"He made a mistake and he paid the price, but there were 70 other minutes in the game and if we had dragged it back we wouldn't be talking about it.
"Ill-discipline cost us, and we paid the ultimate price, but it's not all over yet. We are one game into this competition.
"It's a case of dealing with the here and now. You win this game and things then tend to bounce your way - you lose this game and a bit of pressure comes on.
"We have to deal with it. It's one of the beauties - or burdens - of international sport."