VICKERY: JOHNNO MUST STICK WITH YOUNGSTERS
England manager Martin Johnson should persevere with his new-look team in spite of Saturday’s “unacceptable” 28-14 defeat to Australia, says Phil Vickery. But the recalled former captain has warned his young team-mates they must “smarten up” ahead of Saturday’s Test against world champions South Africa, who defeated Scotland 14-10 at Murrayfield.
Fly-half Matt Giteau’s six penalties – five of which were conceded within kicking-range before the interval thanks to England’s over-eagerness at the breakdown – and Adam Ashley-Cooper's converted try allowed the Wallabies to exact some revenge for their World Cup quarter-final loss in Marseille 13 months ago.
Though No8 Nick Easter barged over for a try and Danny Cipriani slotted three penalties, Johnson’s troops proved to be hot-headed in attack and defence at crucial moments. “We have been beaten by Australia at Twickenham by 14 points and that is unacceptable,” said Wasps prop Vickery.
“We were taught a good lesson by a team who knew how to win a game and we have to regroup and prepare properly because we know that there is not a more physical challenge in world rugby than playing the Springboks.”
Five of Johnson’s seven backs have only 15 caps between them, but Vickery believes that discarding them would be counter-productive for the development of the team. The 32-year-old continued: “I hope that Johnno sticks with those guys because we have got an exciting group and they deserve that faith. Everyone is trying their hardest but we just need to be a bit smarter and make sure we learn from this.
“If we have ambitions to become one of the best teams in world rugby then our guys can’t afford to go into their shells. You have to put yourself out there and in difficult and awkward positions. Unfortunately along the way they are going to get some bumps but they have got to back themselves.”
England manager Martin Johnson should persevere with his new-look team in spite of Saturday’s “unacceptable” 28-14 defeat to Australia, says Phil Vickery. But the recalled former captain has warned his young team-mates they must “smarten up” ahead of Saturday’s Test against world champions South Africa, who defeated Scotland 14-10 at Murrayfield.
Fly-half Matt Giteau’s six penalties – five of which were conceded within kicking-range before the interval thanks to England’s over-eagerness at the breakdown – and Adam Ashley-Cooper's converted try allowed the Wallabies to exact some revenge for their World Cup quarter-final loss in Marseille 13 months ago.
Though No8 Nick Easter barged over for a try and Danny Cipriani slotted three penalties, Johnson’s troops proved to be hot-headed in attack and defence at crucial moments. “We have been beaten by Australia at Twickenham by 14 points and that is unacceptable,” said Wasps prop Vickery.
“We were taught a good lesson by a team who knew how to win a game and we have to regroup and prepare properly because we know that there is not a more physical challenge in world rugby than playing the Springboks.”
Five of Johnson’s seven backs have only 15 caps between them, but Vickery believes that discarding them would be counter-productive for the development of the team. The 32-year-old continued: “I hope that Johnno sticks with those guys because we have got an exciting group and they deserve that faith. Everyone is trying their hardest but we just need to be a bit smarter and make sure we learn from this.
“If we have ambitions to become one of the best teams in world rugby then our guys can’t afford to go into their shells. You have to put yourself out there and in difficult and awkward positions. Unfortunately along the way they are going to get some bumps but they have got to back themselves.”
Labels: Australia, England, Martin Johnson, Phil Vickery, Rugby Football Union
