Robinson vows to go out on a high

JASON ROBINSON insists he did not make himself available for England’s World Cup campaign just to “crash and burn” into retirement as England kick off their pre-tournament programme against Wales at Twickenham today (4pm).

Robinson accepts predictions that England will not even reach the semi-finals in defence of their trophy are not too wide of the mark based on recent form.

But heading into his final challenge as a professional rugby player, Robinson is determined England can prove people wrong.

“I said initially when I came back (in February) that it was not for me. At the time England were struggling,” said Robinson. “I was asked whether I could try and restore some pride and help the team. With it being World Cup year I said, ‘If I can help out in any way I am available.’

“I am excited. A lot has been going on over the last couple of months and I am really looking forward to what will hopefully be a big finish to my career.

“Nobody likes to crash and burn. If you go off past form, maybe the critics are right in saying we won’t get past the last eight but I do believe with the squad we have got, we can do well.

“We will need to produce over the next couple of months if we are to make an impact but we certainly have the players to do that.”

And Robinson insists that process must begin against Wales.

“The key for most guys is to make sure that when you get an opportunity like this that you take it and that your name is on the list and in that 30-man World Cup squad.”

England are also bent on revenge after their RBS Six Nations defeat to Cardiff earlier this year.

Coach Brian Ashton said: “If these players want to be on the plane to France the last thing they want to do is slowly build their way into playing Wales.”

“We want to get a winning momentum and these are not warm-up games for us. These are full-blooded Test matches.”

Meanwhile Wales captain Gareth Thomas insists the biggest challenge for his men is in their own minds.

“We realise the World Cup squad will be announced after the game and we do not want the boys getting into any individual glory,” said Thomas.

“There is such a big carrot dangling, but if you go in with that mindset then it could not only upset your own performance but also the team.

Thomas said: “For us to go to Twickenham would be an amazing uplift going into the World Cup.”