Robinson: Tait for England

Tait: Backed by Robinson

He'll need to go up a level in order to get that England spot but he is well capable of it and he is certainly working hard at it. Hopefully he'll achieve that

Jason Robinson
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World Cup winner Jason Robinson has tipped Mathew Tait for international success, despite the Sale back being overlooked for England's opening autumn Test.

Manager Martin Johnson has not included the one-time teenage prodigy in his squad for the Saturday's match against Australia at Twickenham.

Former England star Robinson, however, is adamant that the 23-year-old full-back and centre, who has won 31 caps since his debut nearly five years ago, will bounce back.

"It is disappointing at the moment - he would have loved to have been involved," said Robinson, who coaches Tait at Sharks.

"It has not worked out that way at this moment in time but he has just got to keep working.

Talented

"He is a very talented guy, there is no doubt about it, we all know that.

"He'll need to go up a level in order to get that England spot but he is well capable of it and he is certainly working hard at it. Hopefully he'll achieve that."

Robinson, 35, has also assured Tait that another opportunity may yet arise given that England's preparations for the encounter at Twickenham have been troubled by a number of injuries.

"All is not lost, this is the first game. Things can happen," added Robinson.

"He'll be involved in our game at the weekend and will be trying his hardest to produce a performance to get him in there."