Croft admits players feared Johnson’s wrath

TOM CROFT admitted England’s stunning RBS Six Nations victory over France was motivated partly by the desire to avoid the thunder of manager Martin Johnson.

Johnson had been left frustrated and angry by the continuing naivety of his team as they gave away penalties and racked up 10 sin-binnings in four matches.

But all that was swept away by a five-try 34-10 demolition of France which, if Ireland beat Wales, gives England the opportunity of taking second place in the championship when they face Scotland in their final match next weekend.