Robinson denies rift in England camp

ANDY ROBINSON has refuted suggestions he has “lost the dressing room” following England’s abysmal Six Nations Championship display against France in Paris last Sunday.

Former England coach Dick Best raised the claim earlier this week after try-less losses to Scotland and France left the world champions preparing for a desperate salvage job when Ireland visit Twickenham today.

Robinson, though, hit back at any prospect of a link between his players and the coaching staff being broken.

“As regards such comments, the dressing room is actually a very positive area,” he said.

“I am very happy with what is happening there. There is a real spark among the players and a desire to get things right against the Irish. I have no doubt about what we are trying to achieve, or the potential of the squad.

“We had a game plan for Paris. I used the expression we wanted to strangle the French game plan, but the truth is we failed to achieve it.

“We have worked hard this week, and we need to get the execution of our plans exactly right. You get judged on every single Test match you play, that is why it is such a great environment to be in. I’ve picked the team, and I am very confident with the team.”

Such was the error-strewn speed of England’s demise in suffering a 31-6 defeat at Stade de France, Robinson had little choice but to ring the changes.

Robinson has drafted the likes of Tom Voyce, Stuart Abbott, Lee Mears and Simon Shaw into his side, making more changes for a championship match than any other England coach since 1986.

But if the new-look outfit does not deliver, Robinson will be left reflecting on a two-year Six Nations record of just four victories from 10 starts since he replaced the World Cup mastermind Clive Woodward.

“The next game is always the hardest and the biggest,” he added. “Ireland have some very dangerous runners. We saw what Shane Horgan has to offer on the Lions tour last summer, then there is the Brian O’Driscoll/Gordon D’Arcy centre partnership as a proven pairing. Peter Stringer has had his best tournament, Ronan O’Gara is operating very well, and then there is the running of Geordan Murphy. Their pack is very streetwise and experienced, so it is going to be about who takes control out there.”

Ireland are chasing a second Triple Crown in three seasons, and they have not lost to England since March, 2003 when Martin Johnson’s team clinched a Grand Slam at Lansdowne Road on their way towards World Cup glory just eight months later.

“We changed things because of last Sunday’s performance,” said Robinson, reflecting on the major surgery he carried out in selection. “But we are developing a squad, and the guys coming in are getting a deserved starting chance.

“We are concentrating on ourselves, and there could be a backlash against Ireland. You have to look at situations with total honesty in terms of selection, and I believe we have.”