Subscribe Feed (RSS)MARTIN JOHNSON LOOKING FOR YOUNG GUNS TO FIRE
November 6th, 2008 by admin0 | No Comments | Filed in English Rugby NewsMartin Johnson believes inexperience will be no barrier when it comes to Saturday’s Test match against the Pacific Islanders.
England’s backs have just 53 caps between them but the England Team Manager is confident they will deliver.
“It’s not a risk, they are good players and they can play,” he told today’s rfu.com podcast. “I’m confident they can handle it.
“They’ve been impressive all week, not just with what they’ve done on the field but with their maturity as people. I wouldn’t have picked them if I didn’t believe they would deliver.”
Among the newcomers to the squad is 24-year-old uncapped London Irish full back Delon Armitage.
“Delon is a very exciting player,” said Johnson. “He’s got great pace, athletic ability, he’s fantastic in the air and he has a good kicking game too.”
Armitage, who was not in Johnson’s original Elite Player senior or Saxons squad, was promoted in place of the injured Nick Abendanon.
“We picked the 64 back in July and, as I’ve said to the players, injuries happen. You’ll get opportunities, just be ready for them,” said Johnson.
That is exactly what Armitage is intending to do, saying, “Getting into the England squad was my aim. I’ve worked really hard but to get in as soon as I did was a dream come true, I’m really chuffed.”
But Saturday will see him line up against two formidable opponents that he knows all too well.
“I’ve had a few texts from my London Irish team mates Seilala (Mapusua) and Sailosi (Tagicakibau),” explained Armitage. “Just before I got my call up, they texted me to say ‘you’d better hope you don’t get selected because you don’t want to be playing against us!’ There’s been the usual bit of banter flying around but I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be a tough game.”
The responsibility for unleashing England’s potent backline falls to London Wasps pair Danny Cipriani and Riki Flutey, who said, “No matter whether you’ve got 50 caps or no caps, as long as you know your role and responsibilities that’s what matters. Being prepared gives you a lot more confidence going into a game.
“I’m out there to help direct, look for space and look for opportunities. And getting the opportunity to play with Danny on the international stage is something I’m really looking forward to.”
And the same is true for the returning Cipriani, who added, “There’s massive potential in this team. But we know that this is a Test match and we can’t just throw the ball around - we need to be responsible in what we do. We’re playing a very strong and physical side, we will need to make the right decisions at the right time.
“Brian Smith (attack coach) has brought us an air of confidence and put some belief in the backline that we can really have a go when we need to.”
One of those standing their way will be 21-stone (135kg) prop Census Johnston.
“We’ve only had four days to prepare but that’s the thing with Pacific Islander rugby - we can just put people together, we work with whatever we’re given and we usually can pull anything out of the hat,” said Johnston.
For experienced Exiles centre Mapusua, the game is also an opportunity for the players to further their cause.
“We know what’s expected of us and we know what it takes. We need to put a marker down to be taken seriously and hopefully get a lot more Tests,” said Mapusua.
For the full interviews, check out the rfu.com podcast every Thursday (from 4pm). Here, you can listen to the weekly podcast or subscribe to itunes and have it delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Formerly the Gillette Rugby Podcast, the rfu.com podcast takes you inside English rugby from the grassroots to the elite. FROM: www.rfu.com/podcast
Tags: England Rugby Coach, MARTIN JOHNSON, Pacific Islanders
