Latest news and betting odds for England Rugby
19th November, 2009
After a week of scrutiny, Martin Johnson has spoken about his ability to carry out his job defending both himself and the England team. Johnson has held the position for a year, but concerns over his ability to enhance the teams play are starting to develop, having not played brilliantly in the last two games against Argentina and Australia.
Johnson hit back saying, “We have put our hands up and said we made a mistake in the second half on Saturday because we could have taken on some more ball. We had a bad performance but let’s not forget that we won the game. I think that’s been lost amid the reaction. He confidently went on to say, “We know we can make a big improvement so we take it with a pinch of salt. We know the pressure is there but you deal with it, that’s what Test-match level is all about. This is a united group of players who are determined but they know they have to play better.”
It seems that it is not just Johnson trying to lighten the attitude of the team with Lewis Moody back in the game and he is more motivated than ever. Having admitted that he has just come out of a struggling patch of his career, suffering countless injuries and mild depression because he has been forced to miss out on so many opportunities, he is grateful to be back in the game.
The former New Zealand player heads to Twickenham this Saturday to take on the All Blacks but this time representing England. The World Cup winner 2003 is proud of his comeback to rugby explaining, “Rugby is such a physically demanding sport, there are always going to be injuries but I seem to have had my fair share. The hardest part is the mental aspect of dealing with that and working hard while rehabbing. Now I am playing again I have realised that all the long dark months working to get back were well worth it, and I’m loving my rugby at the moment.”
Ayoola Erinle will be making his debut England start on Saturday replacing Shan Geraghty in an attempt to steal another win, with aims to increase the winning margin to help turn around their bad autumn season.
The All Blacks player Rodney So’oialo voiced his views on the England team and his feelings towards the match that is fast approaching this weekend. He concluded, “They’re always a tough team. Considering the flak there getting and the amount of negative publicity, we still feel they’re a very good side and they’ve shown that in big games they really turn up. It’s going to be a tough game I feel.”
Online bookies Blue Square are offering all the latest odds on this Saturdays match, including 1/10 that New Zealand steal a win and 11/2 that England manage to recover their poor season, with a draw priced at 25/1.
For other odds including player of the year and future games then visit our site of the month bookies Blue Square and take advantage of their great promotions!
By Emmie
