Features

Fallow autumn for England

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 27/11/2009
Rugby Union betting

England have completed their three autumn internationals ahead of next year's Six Nations and, despite their gallant efforts, there has been little to shout about.

Martin Johnson's men huffed and puffed but failed to blow the house down during the hectic period - and after scoring just one try and 31 points in total, they have hardly won the plaudits.

Three error-strewn, skill lacking and cutting edge void performances later, Johnson and his backroom staff must get back to their drawing board.

In his defence, they have had to deal with a horrific run of luck with injuries from start to finish and this must be addressed.

Once Riki Flutey, Delon Armitage and Toby Flood were all ruled out, Johnson had a problem, but when the news surfaced that his first choice front-row of Lee Mears, Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery would be missing, it significantly hindered his plans.

However, many of the fringe players failed to prove themselves and make the step up, with only a revitalised Jonny Wilkinson and Lewis Moody really showing some promise throughout the lacklustre fixtures.

The opening fixture against Australia on November 7 smacked of what England are all about - energy, heart and passion - but very little else.

Only the kicking exploits of Wilkinson, who has returned to the international set-up following a series of injury setbacks, allowed the Twickenham faithful to hold onto some hope.

But this was quashed when Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed with Matt Giteau adding nine second half extras to add to Will Genia's try in the opening period to hand the visitors an 18-9 victory.

Although the scoreline doesn't represent heavy beating, England were never in touching distance of the far superior and classy Wallabies.

Johnson's side then faced Argentina the following weekend and they edged to a narrow 16-9 success, thanks to a late Matt Banahan try after the scores were level throughout the contest.

Once more the side lacked the guile and exuberance that the Australian's displayed the previous week and, despite the much needed victory, a despondent and deflated Twickenham crowd left the stadium scratching their heads once more wondering how a side that could win the World Cup in 2003 and reach the final in 2007 could flounder so badly.

When New Zealand visited, like the previous November's clash, England remained in the game for the large part but succumbed to another dominant force without looking likely.

All Black fly-half Dan Carter kicked his way into his nation's record books, as he overtook previous record point scorer Andrew Mehrtens in their 19-6 success - and this was a mere footnote in a pretty poor showing.

To make matters worse, Joe Worsley suffered torn medial ligaments in his knee inside the first minute and he is expected to face a lengthy spell on the touchline.

Johnson and his elite squad must re-group, collect their thoughts and try and put things right ahead of the Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham on February 6.

Can England grab Six Nations glory next year? - Latest Rugby Union Betting

It won't be easy, although they could push online betting favourites France, Ireland and Wales all the way if their injury problems ease.

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