Johnson’s England are being unfairly criticised
KICKING INTO TOUCH WITH BRENDAN VENTER
ENGLAND’S performance against Argentina attracted much criticism at the weekend, but I think Martin Johnson and his team are being unfairly treated.
Argentina finished third in the 2007 World Cup and are ranked fourth in the world – four places ahead of England. With their physicality, they are a difficult team to play against and no team, New Zealand and South Africa included, would destroy them in the way some of the England critics suggested.
I expect England to give the All Blacks a run for their money at Twickenham on Saturday. I don’t expect them to beat them, but they’ll always be competitive.
This weekend also sees some intriguing ties involving the home nations. It’ll be interesting to see how Argentina fare against a Wales side who will play more rugby than England, but were disappointing against Samoa.
Scotland host Australia at Murrayfield but I think the Wallabies will prove just too strong, while I expect South Africa to end their barren run against Italy.
Speaking of the Springboks, our victory over them at Wembley on Tuesday night was one we will remember for a long, long time. I was so proud of my players.
It was also a timely boost to our confidence after Saturday’s LV Cup defeat to Northampton and ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premiership match with Wasps, although we will still have to play a lot better to beat what is a very physical Wasps side.
Brendan Venter is head coach of Saracens. Call the box office on 01727 792800.