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Johnson demands England raise game

MartinJohnsonPA
Martin Johnson admitted England must improve significantly when they meet Argentina following the 33-26 defeat by the Barbarians.

Martin Johnson admitted England must improve significantly when they meet Argentina following the 33-26 defeat by the Barbarians.

England leaked five tries at Twickenham but hit back with a second-half flurry through Jordan Turner-Hall, Tom May and Matt Banahan that had the Barbarians on the ropes.

Team boss Johnson was disappointed by some flimsy defence and has demanded his side step up a gear when they face Argentina at Old Trafford next Saturday.

“We did some good things in the first half. We made some mistakes that hurt us,” he said.

“We were hesitant at times and lacked intensity. We must play with higher intensity and put teams under greater pressure.

“Defensively the way we gave away the tries was disappointing. It was poor and our urgency wasn’t good enough.

“Our kicking game at times wasn’t good enough either. But when we started to play with intensity and accuracy we came back into the game.

“We can’t make the same sort of mistakes against Argentina. Some of the guys hadn’t played for a while and we’ll have to be sharper.

“We’ll be picking our strongest team against Argentina.”

Former England captain Martin Corry, along with fellow World Cup winner Josh Lewsey, appeared for the Barbarians as he said his Twickenham farewell before retiring.

The 35-year-old joined Lewsey and Mike Catt for a lap around the pitch after the final whistle and he admitted it was an emotional afternoon.

“It’s very rare that I allow my personal life and rugby life to mix but today was a great occasion when I could do that,” Corry said.

“I thank the Barbarians for giving me this opportunity. It was a great occasion and when I look back at my rugby career this will be at forefront of my mind.

“It was emotional and at times I told myself to let the emotion take over. I loved the way my career has finished.”

Corry, who departed with the Barbarians squad for Australia yesterday, refused to criticise England and took heart from their strong final quarter.

“The way England finished was key. Everyone looks at the Barbarians as a scratch side but so were England,” he said.

“Thankfully it was our talent that got us through but England have some very smart players who picked holes in us. They were very impressive.

“This is tough for Johnno because he has got to start again, as this is not the same side that finished the Six Nations.”