Robinson still pinching himself
February 15, 2002

England's Jason Robinson has admitted he still has to pinch himself when he thinks about his continued rise on the world rugby stage.

"Things have gone so well that really I'm still pinching myself," said Robinson.

"I couldn't have hoped for any more. I just try to go out and do everything to the best of my ability and make sure I am happy with my own performance when I leave the field.

"That's all that counts. As long as I know I have given all I can give, then that's enough for me. If that impresses the world at the same time that's good."

Robinson is one of the five survivors from the England side defeated in Dublin last October, when the Grand Slam slipped through their fingers for the third time in succession.

"Just because you lose one game doesn't mean you are bad players," he said.

"We let ourselves down against Ireland, we know that and we know we are a lot better than we played that day.

"The best way to respond was to put in big performances and I think we did that with our autumn wins over Australia and South Africa."

Robinson played on the wing in that 20-14 defeat at Lansdowne Road, tomorrow he is at full-back where he has looked in his element, being able to run the ball at will, pop up on either wing and generally enjoy the freedom to allow his skills to flourish.

Woodward has intimated he eventually could move to outside centre, but Robinson said: "I suppose I prefer full-back now, but I played on the wing for the Lions and did okay, so I'm not really bothered.

"I wouldn't be presumptuous enough to say where I wanted to play, just so long as I am in the side."

"I'm just happy to be where I am with an opportunity to make a mark on the game," he added.

"The game is changing. If you look at the back lines many players can play in lots of positions. The game's more free-flowing and the way England are playing is the way I'd want it to go. It is exciting."

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.