Tigers will claw their way back to top, says Johnson
England’s World Cup captain wants to knock Wasps off their perch in what could be his last season.
At 34, Johnson might only have one more campaign left in him, but is determined to see the Tigers roaring to the top of English rugby.
Leicester kick off their Premiership campaign against Sale Sharks - the team they beat at Twickenham three months ago to secure last-gasp Heineken Cup qualification - on Sunday.
After a campaign when Tigers fell a considerable distance short in all three major competitions - with rugby director Dean Richards paying the price with his job - skipper Johnson is geared for the long haul back.
“Wasps deserve a lot of credit for doing the double last season - it’s an immense achievement,” Johnson said.
“They are a fantastic team, but they will find it a bit harder this season. The guys had a very long season last year, but they will still be up there as they have the quality in their squad.
“We had a very funny year last year and it is important to get a good start, as it is difficult to get back in touch with the leaders come November.
“September and October are the key months, and if you can get those wins and retain your form, then you will be up there come next year.
“Bath started the league well last season and took that form all the way through. We started okay, went through a dip and then took a while to come back. If you come through Christmas among the top three, then you’re in a great position.”
Leicester recovered following the double blow of an early Heineken Cup exit and Richards’ departure, embarking on a long unbeaten run that rescued their campaign.
“We were out of Europe and we were struggling in the league, but you can either sit around and mope, or do something about it,” recalled Johnson.
“It wasn’t a miracle. We got Jaco (van der Westhuyzen) in at number ten, and he was very successful there, we got Harry Ellis back playing at scrum-half, Geordan (Murphy) came back eventually, Austin (Healey) played well on the wing and Leon (Lloyd) came in at centre and played very well. Our injuries started clearing up in the team as well.
“I was back and fully fit, Ben Kay and Louis Deacon were playing very well in the second-row, and even though Julian White was injured, we had Graham Rowntree and Darren Morris in the front row and something resembling a first XV on the field.
“You have to deal with what you get, haven’t you? If we get a lot of injuries this season, then we will be like any other team and it will be a lot harder for us.
“Last year, by Christmas, we had no real chance to win the league. This year, we would like to think by Christmas we will make the top three and win something and still be in Europe.”
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