Johnno doesn't do 'sexy'

England coach says the result is all-important

Last updated: 4th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Johnno doesn't do 'sexy'

Johnson: Playing a certain way

ENGLAND v PACIFIC ISLANDERS
Watch Martin Johnson's first match in charge live on Sky Sports 2 & HD2 on Saturday from 2pm.

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Despite the prospect of excitement brought by the England debutants named for Saturday's Test against the Pacific Islanders, coach Martin Johnson has told fans not to expect "sexy" rugby.

Johnson's new-look line-up sees full-back Delon Armitage, winger Ugo Monye and centre Riki Flutey making their Test bows, with lock Nick Kennedy doing the same.

With Danny Cipriani also returning at fly-half, England's back division - on paper at least - promises much in the way of pace and creativity.

But, displaying all the pragmatism he showed when leading his country on the field, Johnson urged those descending on Twickenham this weekend to consider the result above the performance.

"The first aim is to win games. If you do it by scoring more tries and those tries are aesthetically pleasing to people then great," he said.

"But first we need to win. That is what it is all about and that is where all the coaches are coming from.

"We want to play in a certain way not because people think it looks sexy but because we think it is the best way to win the game.

Fast-track

Of the debutants, Armitage has been fast-tracked from outside the England set-up following injuries to Mathew Tait and Nick Abendanon.

Monye, called in to replace the injured James Simpson-Daniel, has been rewarded for an electric start to the season with five tries in seven games for Harlequins.

Meanwhile, London Irish lock Kennedy will make his first start in the second row.

Commenting on their performances during training, Johnson said: "They haven't come in and looked like guys making their debuts.

"Did we think Delon Armitage would come in and play full-back? No we didn't. He wasn't even among the 64 players we named in July but these things happen.

"I said to him: 'It doesn't matter how you get your opportunity, it is how you take it'.

"Monye has obviously got fantastic pace and athletic ability but I like his maturity as a player and he has shown that this week.

"We felt Kennedy deserved his chance in the side. From our point of view we want those guys to play well and give us real depth to our squad."

Flutey, a former Junior All Blacks, has been on England's radar after he played a major role in Wasps' Guinness Premiership title charge last season.

He only qualified to play for England on residency grounds in September but Johnson is not concerned by his background.

"He is an outstanding person let alone a rugby player. He is an all-round number 12," he said.

Inspiring

Flutey will play outside Cipriani, who returns to the England team after recovering from a gruesome ankle break six weeks ahead of schedule.

Cipriani's only previous Test start came against Ireland in the final round of the 2008 Six Nations when, having prised the number 10 jersey from Jonny Wilkinson, he inspired England to victory at Twickenham.

"I think he is capable of doing that again. This is a different attacking philosophy now with (backs coach) Brian Smith. We want people to perform at the highest level now with England. That is the aim," Johnson added.