Six Nations - Robinson stands by attack on England
Andy Robinson has defended his attack on England's "arrogance" at the World Cup, insisting he was only standing up for what is right.
Scotland boss Robinson lit a fuse under next Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield when he accused England of disrespecting his side in October's decisive Pool B clash in New Zealand. He singled out Delon Armitage, who hit back on Tuesday, but Robinson suggested on Wednesday the full-back was one of a handful of players who undermined team manager Martin Johnson.
"I think we have a duty in this game to how we conduct ourselves," he said. "I was asked about what happened in the World Cup and I gave my honest opinion. Sorry if it offended people but I believe it is right. I feel for Martin Johnson in some respects."
He added: "There are two or three players that I felt disrespected not only Scotland but other teams in that way they conducted themselves.
"I look at Martin Johnson, who had a record of 10 out of 13 (wins) and did very well, and in the end it undermined him as a manager.
"We have a responsibility as players and coaches in this great game we play to have respect for the people you play against and with.
"It is about getting out there to earn that respect, and also to respect the players you play against."
Robinson revealed he would use Scotland's anger about events in Auckland to motivate his players for next Saturday's RBS 6 Nations opener between the sides.
And he refused to take lightly an England team expected to be almost unrecognisable from their World Cup meltdown, saying: "I think they are a dangerous animal. We are up against the Six Nations champions and a team that has something to prove.
"It's a tough test but is a great Test match to be involved in. I have been working with the team for two years and they are up for every game they play. I don't have to motivate them with Churchillian speeches."
Comment 1 - 16 of 16
Robinson Devo max. I guess your right not one thing or the other.
Come on Scotland, you got a chance to show these negative posters what you can do next week, hope you start the tournament on a high
Robinson's comments are essentially pre-match posturing. He has a very limited pool of players to draw from,the Scotland game plan always has been, amd probably always wil be based on kick for territory, infringe at the forward exchanges and occasionaly win a surprise result against decent opposition. it's a bit like devo max really. Good luck to you, thanks, ta ta!
( COMMENT 10 england are all Over-rated player, useless coach and self satisfied pricks)
your so right we all agree and scotland should have no problems winning this first game
Comment 11 - I couldn't agree more. Scotland are the worst team to watch along with Italy and Argentina. Negative rugby and loads of cheating in the scrums to achieve their one and only trick - winning a kickable penalty. Teams like this deserve to lose every game they play in, but I bet they beat England on 4th February!
He has become a sad man - bitter and twisted. Looks a nasty piece of work on TV when things are going against him. He'll stoke up all of the William Wallace stuff at Murrayfield no doubt on 4th Feberuary as he's so bitter. It'll be, as usual, an awful game to watch and will be decided on penalties after loads of cheating in the scrums.
I would have thought that the coach of a team that often goes a couple of games without scoring a try should really concentrate on his own team. Scotland RU has been the most boring team in world over the last 10 years or so, no constructive ideas, almost no tries. Robinson's team if anything has been boring even when calibrated by Scotland's very low standards. Few line breaks, no tries in over 180mins of world cup rugby, then the team is surprised and upset they don't win games. It's truly pathetic to play no attacking rugby and just wait for the ref to give to you a few penalties to kick . Scotland deserve to loose every game until they learn that without trying to play much rugby you will loose. If they didn't play in a cold, wind swept stadium where actually playing rugby (i.e. passing the ball instead of kicking it away and chasing) doesn't always work they wouldn't be in the top 20 rugby playing nations. Let's hope that boring, non-rugby of the type that Scotland continually play gets what it deserves, another wooden spoon to go with their large collection.
Over-rated player, useless coach and self satisfied prick
Andy Robinson appears to be correct, the England players must have been aware that their conduct both on and off the field of play would be inspected by the rugby press, but for some of them to act as they did surely allowed them to be put under the microscope of the tabloid press as well. They must have a code of conduct that they should have abided by, but did not, so these players did undermine Martin Johnson and the rest of the squad as they showed not self respect or respect for their fellow players.
I feel sorry for England, nothing but player response can rescue them from negative management. Scotland have a great chance to record a large points win, it should not be wasted.
I think he just wants to stay in the news because he wants the England job. He is hoping England fails, so he can say I told you so at his interview.
Regardless, he is right about Delon. At the WC Delon became a liability and his play was noticeably on the edge. It looked like he was mistaken in how to make an impression in a game and impose yourself.
Lobster, your a weirdo!
But England never beat Scotland. Not in the last 3 outings in Murrayfiled anyway. He's doing something right. Meanwhile England have astounding players to pick n choose from and they get pissed all the time! Hmmmm;)
Did we not kick Robinson out of England as he was the worse coach England ever had,he seems more suited to the Scotland job,as they never win anything anyway.
Should be a good game,looking forward to it !
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