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Johnson: Robinson should go
19/11/2006 13:25 - (SA)
London - Former England captain Martin Johnson believes the only way England can improve their prospects for next year's World Cup is to replace head coach Andy Robinson.
England ended a demoralising run of seven defeats when they beat South Africa 23-21 at Twickenham on Saturday.
It was a significantly positive result for the reigning world champions and their embattled coach, who awoke to a series of headlines reflecting the country's relief.
"Phew!" gasped The Observer on Sunday, with the Sunday Times headlining, "At last ... a win."
The Daily Telegraph perhaps summed up the feelings best with a full page picture of Robinson. His eyes closed intensely, the headline boomed: "Sheer Relief".
Robinson, a former England flanker, responded to the morale-boosting win by challenging his side to produce a repeat performance when the sides meet again at the London ground this coming Saturday.
"We've got to take it up now and look forward to the second Test against South Africa with everybody getting out there and performing," he said.
"We control our destiny. England does control its destiny. When we recognise that, and we are recognising that, we will become a better side because of it."
However Johnson, who skippered England to World Cup glory three years ago, believes that with 10 months to go till the World Cup it is not too late to find a replacement for Robinson.
"There are many reasons England are in the mess they're in but the buck has to stop with the head coach," Johnson told the Mail on Sunday.
"He had made some very poor selections and decisions before and during games. Ultimately it's his responsibility.
"Would it be a knee-jerk reaction to sack Robbo? Let's be honest we're not talking two defeats here, we're talking seven.
"So if you ask me if replacing the head coach at this stage - with 10 months to go before the World Cup - will make a difference, my honest answer is 'yes'."
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