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I won't quit, says Robinson
26/11/2006 08:11 - (SA)
London - England coach Andy Robinson refused to step down on Saturday despite the boos ringing out around Twickenham for the second time in three weeks following the 25-14 defeat by South Africa.
The former England flanker has seen England win just three of their 11 tests this year but steadfastly stood his ground about his position.
However, many expect him to be shown the door along with captain Martin Corry when the RFU review board meets on December 7.
"They (the players) are obviously disappointed," said Robinson, who took over from his former boss Sir Clive Woodward shortly the 2003 World Cup success but has a record of 13 defeats in 22 Tests.
"To go 14-3 up and have control of the game and then lose is frustrating.
Very, very down
"We've talked abut it and the 10-minute period before half-time when we gave away two penalties and then they scored at the death of half-time was crucial.
"You look at 60 minutes and we had our chances. However, it was the first 20 minutes that we played well. When you are giving away penalties it costs you.
"There is nothing to be said at the moment. We all feel it. They (the England players) didn't shirk and our defence was tremendous.
"They are very very down. Four tests were a real tough ask at 14-3 we shouldn't have allowed them back in.
"The December 7 review board? I will have time to reflect on it (the autumn tests). I won't be walking away from the job. We are moving forward. We said it was going to take time to gel together."
Corry was downcast.
"They're not getting any better," admitted Corry, referring to the team's performances. "We just couldn't exert any possession or dominance. We were on the back foot and that proved to be the key.
"We're making mistakes when we got into a position to win the match.
"It was poor execution which gave the Springboks more possession.
"Credit to them as they are a very hard side to get the ball off."
However, Corry insisted that it was not through lack of trying or bad attitude that England were failing.
Devastated
"We're all here to be part of a successful England side, we are trying to do everything and trying our best. Eleven games played and won three this year is a poor record.
"We are not hiding from that. At the moment we can't think too far ahead and we are devastated. It's very hard to make any other statements than that."
Corry, a member of the victorious Englnad rugby squad at the 2003 World Cup, said it was for others to decide on his future as captain.
"It's a call for others on whether I stay on as captain. Captaincy is the biggest job in the game. It is an enormous task and I love doing it. I always put my hand up for it. Robbo (Robinson) is the one who decides."
While doubts persist about Robinson's job there are certainly similar clouds hanging over his Springbok counterpart Jake White, who has to fly back to South Africa for an emergency meeting this week.
However, captain Jon Smit said there was full support for the coach in the dressing room. "Where he (White) has brought us to now is incredible," said the skipper. "From a player's perspective we were playing for Jake."
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Rugby
