Robinson hits back at disharmony claims
March 17, 2006

Andy Robinson has refuted suggestions he might have ``lost the dressing room'' following England's abysmal RBS 6 Nations Championship display against France in Paris.

Former England coach Dick Best raised the claim earlier this week after try-less losses to Scotland and France left the world champions preparing for a desperate salvage job when Ireland visit Twickenham tomorrow.

Robinson though, hit back at any prospect of a link between his players and the coaching staff being broken.

``As regards such comments, the dressing room is actually a very positive area,'' he said.

``I am very happy with what is happening there. There is a real spark among the players and a desire to get things right against the Irish.

``I have no doubt about what we are trying to achieve, or the potential of the squad.

``We had a game plan for Paris. I used the expression we wanted to strangle the French game plan, but the truth is we failed to achieve it.

``We have worked hard this week, and we need to get the execution of our plans exactly right.

``You get judged on every single Test match you play, that is why it is such a great environment to be in. I've picked the team, and I am very confident with the team.''

Such was the error-strewn speed of England's demise in suffering a 31-6 defeat at Stade de France, Robinson had little choice but to ring the changes.

World Cup-winning reputations counted for little as 2003 heroes Josh Lewsey, Mike Tindall, Matt Dawson, Steve Thompson and Danny Grewcock all went through the trap-door, while prop Julian White would have joined them had Matt Stevens' shoulder injury not meant a late recall.

Robinson has drafted the likes of Tom Voyce, Stuart Abbott, Lee Mears and Simon Shaw into his side, making more changes for a championship match than any other England coach since 1986.

But if the new-look outfit do not deliver, Robinson will be left reflecting on a two-year Six Nations record of just four victories from 10 starts since he replaced World Cup mastermind Sir Clive Woodward.

``The next game is always the hardest and the biggest,'' he added.

``Ireland have some very dangerous runners. We saw what Shane Horgan has to offer on the Lions tour last summer, then there is the Brian O'Driscoll/Gordon D'Arcy centre partnership as a proven pairing.

``Peter Stringer has had his best tourament, Ronan O'Gara is operating very well, and then there is the running of Geordan Murphy.

``Their pack is very streetwise and experienced, so it is going to be about who takes control out there.''

Ireland are chasing a second Triple Crown in three seasons, and they have not lost to England since March, 2003 when Martin Johnson's team clinched a Grand Slam at Lansdowne Road on their way towards World Cup glory just eight months later.

``We changed things because of last Sunday's performance,'' said Robinson, reflecting on the major surgery he carried out in selection.

``But we are developing a squad, and the guys coming in are getting a deserved starting chance. We are concentrating on ourselves, and there could be a backlash against Ireland.

``You have to look at situations with total honesty in terms of selection, and I believe we have.''

For second-row forward Shaw, tomorrow's encounter will be his first Test start for 21 months, having made an England debut way back in 1996, and he underlined determination within the camp to halt an alarming Six Nations form dip.

``We have gone back to basics, and things are looking less complicated,'' said the 6ft 8in Wasps lock.

``Rugby is a pretty simple game, and I think we have had perhaps a little too much to think about in recent weeks.

``The autumn went pretty much to plan, as did the start of the Six Nations, but I understand why people's perceptions have changed of us in recent weeks.

``Hopefully, we can change those perceptions by beating Ireland. You have to hold up your hands and take responsibility.

``Coaches will give you good advice, but you also need to think for yourself. Coaches don't go on the pitch with you, so you need the confidence that you are doing the right things when you are actually out there.

``I think collectively, we haven't taken responsibility in the past few weeks, and I think when you play for England you should always play as if it is the last chance for your country.''

If England lose tomorrow, the shutters could fall on those players who might just be drinking in the last-chance saloon.

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