Johnson: No mass cull for England

Eurosport - Sat, 22 Nov 18:49:00 2008

Martin Johnson said there would be no mass cull of players in the wake of England's heaviest defeat at Twickenham as South Africa signed off their European tour with an emphatic 42-6 win.

Martin Johnson - 0

As against Australia last week England had lots of possession and were regularly inside the Springbok 22 but they rarely threatened a try.

In contrast the world champions looked deadly when they had a sniff of the line and scored five tries to secure their sixth successive win over the home side.

"We've learned a brutal lesson, it's going to be a difficult week," Johnson told a news conference, with an eye on next Saturday's game against New Zealand.

"It was a heavy defeat and the guys are desolate but we actually created more try-scoring opportunities than in the first two games but didn't take them.

"We could and should have scored at least a couple of times but it doesn't matter about the good things I could say because it was still 42-6."

Asked if he would make changes for the All Black game Johnson said the players needed to be given time to develop.

"I could chop and change the team every week but they are our best players," he said.

"There is no 50-cap cavalry coming over the hill - these are our best players. You can't just give guys 20 caps, they have to get experience like they did today.

"In many areas we competed well and created chances. It sounds hollow after that defeat but our job is to give them confidence, get them out there next week."

That game against the All Blacks looks a huge challenge for Johnson's shell-shocked players but the former captain, who five years ago to the day hoisted the World Cup in Sydney, said it would test their character.

"We have to get our heads up as a group," he said. "There will be some sniping, and rightly so, but it's about character now.

"We could give up and go home or come back next week and try to win, that's all you can do."

South Africa captain John Smit said it had been a "special day" for the world champions.

"Walking out of the changing room I just had that feeling that something big was about to happen," he said.

"The five tries are wonderful but I look at the way we defended and it really meant something."

Some of his squad had complained of mental and physical exhaustion during the week but there was no sign of it on Saturday and their attitude was summed up by lock Bakkies Botha's 40-metre sprint to haul down Delon Armitage as the fullback looked set to score in the corner in the first half.

"We've talked about that in the changing room and you just can't buy things like that," said Smit, whose team beat Wales and Scotland earlier in the tour. "I asked a lot from the guys this week and they gave me more.

"It was our target to create some momentum for next year with the British Lions coming and I am extremely happy with what I've seen over the last few weeks."

Reuters

Comment 2 - 21 of 21

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  1. A boring England only lowers the standard for all northern hemisphere teams! Bring in Jake White and let the good times roll....

    From gary, on Tue 25 Nov 12:49PM

  2. What can I say.....GO BOKKE!!!! The boys did us South Afrikaaners proud, we had complete faith in our boys. Let's face it, rugby is in our blood! I look forward to next year when once again we shall be singing out loud and clear...HIER KOM DIE BOKKE!!!! In case anybody out there didn't hear the score.... 42 - 6 Oh and South Africa won!!!!!!!!!!

    From Marilyn, on Mon 24 Nov 2:16PM

  3. Where is Ruggerbies 'Don' Capello when you need him ?

    From art_tidesco, on Mon 24 Nov 12:07PM

  4. CHEATS NEVER PROSPER
    When MJ took over his new job he ought to have cleared the decks and apologise for fielding 16 men and cheating ( WWC 2003)
    The gods of fairness will never shine on England untill this cheating is acknowledged.
    Terry

    From terry, on Mon 24 Nov 11:37AM

  5. Always a joy to read the comments here! All that sniping; pity we don't have a bit more sniping (runs!) on the pitch! Incidentally, I too wonder why there were 8 Wasps in the starting line up!!! If Johnno had picked 8 Tigers he would have been accused of nepotism!!!

    From tyn, on Mon 24 Nov 10:48AM

  6. England are too slow against top class oponents, that is a ditect result of a weak club game. It is pointless having flair when they are two seconds too late

    From r_c_t@..., on Mon 24 Nov 10:01AM

  7. What's most disappointing is Jonno's view that these are his best players. Noon is not creative and is just a strong runner and tackler. Flutey wasn't even either. Hence long passes to Sackey from Cipriani. Furthermore, how many players did second-from-bottom Wasps have starting? Brian Smith needs to stand up and tell Jonno that Geraghty is on form (Irish are second!) and that Armitage (Steffon) and Corbisiero should be given a go. Also what about Simpson-Daniel, Matt Tait (Sale) and even Adam Powell (Saracens)? England have a fantastic amount of flair available right now, more than I can ever remember, so Jonno, pick it! Then tries will be scored.

    From n.kelly72, on Mon 24 Nov 9:34AM

  8. English Rugby is not arrogant just proud, after all we have quite a good overall record? Scotland sniff a close game (very occasionaly) and well they are the mighty celts? The side we all should look towards for style passion and devotion is Wales win or lose they are what it is all about. Scotland Rugby on the world stage is a minnow and the odd inspirational game does not take you to the English level i am afraid. so negative comments for the sake of it because it is aimed at England will not score points.

    From Terry F, on Mon 24 Nov 7:07AM

  9. i think its about time the high and mighty english realised that they are not world champions any more and a lot of the best stock have retired johnson and dallaglio and if anyone thinks that m.johnson can make a team world beaters overnight keep on dreaming.there are alot better teams than the english out there right now so deal with it with your heads up as we all need to re build and admire for m.johnson for what he is doing.

    From Simon, on Sun 23 Nov 5:19PM

  10. nice comment brian!!! come on scotland!!!!!!!!

    From the flying scotsman, on Sun 23 Nov 5:12PM

  11. How things change,5 years ago England were world beaters, and rightly so, but when things go wrong..........how people forget!.
    At least us "whipping boys" still turn up and support the team no matter how bad things are, and people ask why the English are not liked,just ask Ned Kelly....arrogance springs to mind!.
    We scots enjoy the game for what it is and enjoy the day,we occasionally have our moments, the 1990 Grand Slam game against England at Murrayfield still rates very highly....whipping boys indeed!.
    Give the management time,Rome wasn't built in a day, or is it maybe the truth dawning that you are not as good as you think you are!

    From brian.graham52, on Sun 23 Nov 3:05PM

  12. The low flying scotsman, the Scotland team have not won the grand slam in living memory, I heard a rumour they wanted to goldplate the 'wooden spoon' to make it look more attractive , being so happy about the demise of England is not a very attractive trait, at least the English have been to the 'top of the mountain'. poor old Scotland ,,they should stick to 'curling', now there's a spectator sport!
    Love & best wishes, Ned Kelly

    From jcastledineruiz@..., on Sun 23 Nov 12:44PM

  13. Is anyone else out there disgusted by the RFU selling live coverage rights to Sky Sports, denying non subscribers the opportunity to watch these fixtures live?

    From vicky b, on Sun 23 Nov 10:30AM

  14. NED KELLY!!! WHAT WAS THE SCOTLAND SCORE V THE ENGLISH LAST 6 NATIONS!!!!!! WHATS THIS WHIPPING BOYS!!!! GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT!!!!!!!!! ENGLAND ARE THE WHIPPING BOYS TONITE!!! WHAT A SHAME!!!!! HA HA HA!!!! BRING ON THE ALL BLACKS NEXT WEEK!!!!! TO WHIP THE ENGLISH AGAIN!!!!!!

    From the flying scotsman, on Sun 23 Nov 12:21AM

  15. Now it's clear to see why the English RFU is obstructive about television rights overseas. Better to keep these sorts of performances to yourself.

    From Archie D, on Sat 22 Nov 11:24PM

  16. Doesn't anyone remember their history. It took Sir Clive a few years to get a good team together and the background staff together. You are only giving Martin J less than a year with less experienced players. It's sad to see our defeats but he has been there. Who else would have the balls to do the job? the bigger concern is that the ground root fans are being ripped off at Twickers for the sake of coperate nobodys!

    From adrianball@..., on Sat 22 Nov 9:56PM

  17. They have someone in charge with no coaching experience no managerial experience!! Lets get rid of the old farts at the top and the clueless manager!!

    From suandy11@..., on Sat 22 Nov 9:07PM

  18. We'll probably suffer a similar fate next week but let's hope that the team at least produces something resembling international rugby

    From oyster250, on Sat 22 Nov 8:16PM

  19. Well, we've reached rock-bottom so the only way is up from here!

    From oyster250, on Sat 22 Nov 8:14PM

  20. Keep this young team going they will get there...

    From gt.burrough@..., on Sat 22 Nov 7:50PM
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