England boss Johnson ready for ‘special’ Croker clash

THE historical significance of Ireland facing England in this year’s Six Nation’s campaign at Croke Park wasn’t lost on 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson at yesterday’s launch at the Hurlingham Club, London.

The new England manager brings his charges to GAA headquarters on February 28 for the bi-annual fixture that two years ago proved one of Irish sport’s most memorable occasions. While respect was shown by the Irish fans towards the England team — then led by Martin Corry and coached by Brian Ashton — and for ‘God Save the Queen’, the visitors suffered a heavy 43-13 defeat.

Yesterday, however, proved a taxing and draining day for Johnson, who was attending his first Six Nations launch as England boss. The brooding but very approachable former England skipper dealt capably with a litany of questions on Matt Stevens, the England and Bath prop who tested positive for a banned substance and was subsequently removed from England’s Elite Player Squad.