Deans backs Johnson to shine in manager role

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans believes England team manager Martin Johnson has the ability to push international rugby into a new era.

Deans was speaking at a press conference yesterday prior to the Cook Cup showdown with the old enemy at Twickenham today.

England’s World Cup-winning captain was head-hunted by the Rugby Football Union to replace Brian Ashton after last season’s RBS 6 Nations, despite having no senior coaching experience.