The Sports Corner

English Manager thinks Aussies ‘easier’ than Pacific Islanders

New English manager, Martin Johnson, the former World Cup winning captain has taken a shot at his old nemesis Australia after a successful debut on the weekend with his side wrapping up a comprehensive win at Twickenham over the Pacific Islanders, 39-13.

England performed admirably, blooding four new players to Test football, and crossing the tryline five times, to their rival’s one.

Johnson who is no stranger to sledging the Wallabies told reporters, “The Pacific Islanders were a dangerous team to play. I was asked if I’d considered losing to them because they are dangerous. It may be easier to play Australia than the Pacific Islanders because we can have a good look at them and know what they’re about but the tempo and intensity next week will be higher.”

Johnson may be right.

The Pacific Islanders, a composite touring team made up of players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga play an expansive creative game with little set play, preferring to rely on creativity and athleticism. Australia, like any of the major rugby playing nations, feature strong coaching and strategy which on occasion can result in predictability. However, Johnson’s comments are sure to provide some extra fire in the Wallabies camp this week while they prepare to take on the Old Dart.

In his first game as English manager, Johnson opted to play debutantes Delon Armitage at fullback, who responded with a man of the match performance, winger Ugo Monye, lock Nick Kennedy who scored, and New Zealand born hooker Dylan Hartley. The strong performance of the debutantes figures to give the English manager some selection headaches this week as he prepares for the Wallabies.

“I’m reasonably happy with that,” Johnson said of the performances of his inexperienced players. “It was stop start. That’s understandable because this was our first match together and we were trying to put some things together. We’re in a pretty good place and we’re looking forward to next week.”

The Wallabies have opted to not send home for replacement players as their touring squad continues to suffer injuries. Backs Timana Tahu and Berrick Barnes have been ruled out of any further participation in the tour with groin and knee injuries respectively. Reserve hooker Adam Freier has yet to play as he recovers from a calf injury and it is expected that he may be sent home shortly if his rehabilitation does not progress any further.

Star winger Lote Tuquiri will be in doubt for the game against the English, having yet to play on tour, and he had been hopeful he’d be recovered for the English Test match.