Jason Robinson believes England's unheralded New Zealand tourists have "a great opportunity" to make their mark against the All Blacks - and leave an impression on new manager Martin Johnson.

While Robinson accepts New Zealand will be bristling from their premature World Cup demise last autumn, he has also challenged the England squad to seize the moment in Auckland next Saturday and Christchurch seven days later.

England have only beaten the All Blacks twice from 10 attempts in New Zealand - 1973 and 2003 - and they have travelled without key personnel like Danny Cipriani, Jonny Wilkinson, Paul Sackey, Phil Vickery and Simon Shaw.

But England World Cup winner Robinson knows there could be no better place to stake a claim for recognition when the Johnson reign starts in earnest from July 1.

He said: "It is going to be very tough.

"New Zealand will still be hurting from last year's World Cup and they will be looking to try and make amends in any way, shape or form.

"They've had a lot of changes themselves, but at the same time New Zealand could field three really strong Test teams. I am sure everyone in New Zealand is looking forward to the series.

"But for the England guys out there, it's a great opportunity to impress the new management. Hopefully, they can make an impact.

"There are a lot of shirts that are up for grabs, and these guys have opportunities, so it is up to them.

"I am not quite sure if you could name dead certs in any position, but the flip side is the players must be thinking it is a great opportunity for them.

"Even if we find two or three players who have really stood up and done well on this tour, it is certainly going to be a positive for England."

Robinson brought the curtain down on a memorable 51-cap, 28-try England career after his second successive World Cup final appearance last October.

He retains an involvement in the game though, including his role as a Tesco Sport for Schools and Clubs ambassador, and he certainly took note of Johnson's appointment.

Johnson, Robinson's 2003 World Cup captain, has not travelled to New Zealand for personal reasons, with his first major contribution set to be the announcement of two elite England player squads next month.

Robinson added: "Johnno has not got any managing experience, but what he lacks in that, he certainly makes up for in other areas.

"He is very knowledgeable about the game, and he has got a lot of respect worldwide. I think you need that respect in order to hold a position like that one.

"Some people have a presence. It was not really what he said, just that he was a good leader.

"When you went out on to the field, he would take control."

And Robinson has also backed a new eight-year agreement between top English clubs and the Rugby Football Union, which kicks in this summer.

It includes defined blocked-off preparation and playing periods for England squad members ahead of, and during, the autumn Tests and RBS 6 Nations Championship

He said: "Preparation is key. You look at all the preparation that a squad like New Zealand's can do.

"They are a lot fresher, they do get a lot more rest, and we are forever asking the question of the English players week in, week out to play at a certain standard.

"But we don't give them the rest, and when we come up against the likes of New Zealand they are fit, fresh and raring to go, whereas we seem to be on a bit of a rugby treadmill and have to deal with all these different situations.

"Hopefully, this new agreement will give those players more time together, which they need, during something like the Six Nations.

"You are always torn as a player when you are going backwards and forwards between club and country. It is hard, mentally, to switch from one to the other.

"Hopefully, it will work out. Johnno will be the right man to take it forward."

As for retirement, Robinson has no regrets about bowing out when he did, claiming: "I've retired from being beaten up every week!

"I've been to Twickenham a few times since, but I've never sat there and thought 'I wish I was back out there.'

"I have certainly made the right decision."

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