Martin Johnson said his England side had been taught a 'brutal lesson' by South Africa's demolition job at Twickenham on Saturday.
England boss accepts huge defeat is bitter blow
Martin Johnson said his England side had been taught a 'brutal lesson' by South Africa's demolition job at Twickenham on Saturday.
A record 42-6 defeat inflicted by the world champions saw Johnson's reign slip to a new low and, after Australia's win last week, the critics will be sharpening their knives once again.
Johnson would not lay the blame on his players though, and was trying to focus on the positive aspects of the game, mainly the amount of possession England had.
However, Johnson's charges could not find a way through the South Africa defence and in the end England were given a sound thumping.
"Our players never stopped trying right until the final whistle," Johnson told
Sky Sports 2.
Execute
"We did not execute in their 22. We have learnt a brutal lesson.
"They are my best players. We have to have faith in the guys we have got. They are our best young players."
Johnson is prepared to take the criticism, and is also prepared to stick with his squad, which he says is the best available.
"We created opportunities today but just didn't take them," he continued. "I thought we were still in the game at half-time.
"But we didn't turn pressure and opportunities into points. We had some gilt-edged chances but they defended very well.
"Territory-wise we were fine. We had enough of the game.
"I am backing these guys. Yes, they all made mistakes at times but they all did good things today.
"Our aim is to be as good as we can be as quickly as we can. They've gone
through three tough games and taken steps the whole way. This is another step.
"We have to go through it to get to where we want to be."
England captain Stephen Borthwick admitted it was a 'very disappointing' defeat, and admitted that again silly errors cost them dear.
"I'm proud of how the guys worked but obviously we made too many errors," said Borthwick.
