Johnson rubbishes criticism of staff

MARTIN JOHNSON last night revealed his coaching team would remain intact for the summer tour to Australia after branding England’s critics “ill-informed”.

Johnson once again mounted a robust defence of his backroom lieutenants John Wells, Brian Smith and Mike Ford after England finished a deflating third in the RBS 6 Nations.

A number of prominent former players, among them Matt Dawson, Jeff Probyn and Lawrence Dallaglio, have demanded a change in personnel – including director of elite rugby, Rob Andrew.