The former British and Irish Lion insists there’s better to come from Martin Johnson’s team.
By Paul Eddison, Sportsbeat, 0870 445 0156
ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign has been more noticeable for off-field exploits than performances on the pitch, but former British and Irish Lion Danny Grewcock insists there is better to come from Martin Johnson’s team.
While Mike Tindall has hogged the headlines for his exploits in a Queenstown bar, a dour win over Argentina followed by an in-disciplined success against Georgia have left the reigning Six Nations champions with more questions than answers.
Grewcock, a member of England’s World Cup winning squad in 2003, admitted the displays of Johnson’s side have left a lot to be desired, but insists results rather than performances are the key at this stage of the tournament.
“By their own standards they haven’t played exactly as they wanted to,” said Grewcock, speaking following the announcement he will play in this year’s Heroes Rugby Challenge on December 3 at Twickenham.
“But it’s a very young and very talented squad, we saw that during the Autumn Internationals and the Six Nations.
“There’s a fantastic squad of players with more to come which is the most important thing.
“They’ve had two victories and they still have their best performances to play which is a positive side of it.”
England face Eastern European opposition for the second game running with Saturday’s clash with Romania before their clash with Scotland in the final group game.
Having seen the Auld Enemy stumble to a 34-24 win against the Oaks a fortnight ago, Grewcock has warned that England will be worked hard by Romania.
He added: “They will have a tough game against Romania. They showed themselves to be a difficult team against Scotland.
“The final game will always be a tough one. But if England can keep improving then I think it bodes well for the knockout stages.
“The crucial thing is they have won both games so far.”
Heroes Rugby Challenge, Saturday 3 December 2011 at Twickenham Stadium, kicks off at 1630. Ticket prices start at £30 for adults and are available through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492
