Martin Johnson insists that England¿s 13-9 victory over Argentina was a "fantastic" result despite his side's shaky performance.
England boss hails 'fantastic' result despite poor performance
Martin Johnson insists that England's 13-9 victory over Argentina was a "fantastic" result despite the lacklustre nature of their performance.
Johnson's side were second best for much of the Pool B World Cup contest at Otago Stadium in Dunedin and trailed 9-3 as the last 10 minutes approached.
But scrum-half Ben Youngs came off the bench to score the only try of the match after 68 minutes and Jonny Wilkinson's boot did the rest.
Johnson admitted that there is plenty to improve on after the below-par showing, but still believes that England can be happy with securing the win against a tough Pumas outfit.
"We said before the tournament that World Cup games are about finding a way to win in difficult circumstances against difficult teams," Johnson said.
"Clearly it could be a lot better but we found a way to win the game. All the players are frustrated but in the circumstances that is a good win, a fantastic win."
Argentina shocked France in the opening game of the tournament four years ago and Johnson was satisfied that his side did not fall into the same trap.
Penalties
He added: "In 2007, France would have bitten your arm off to win that game. They are a team that will keep possession and squeeze penalties. It makes it difficult but we got over the line.
"These games are black and white and we found a way to win. We could easily have lost that game and we didn't."
Argentina fly-half Felipe Contepomi believes the result could damage Argentina's bid to make it into the knockout stages, but the veteran says the performance of his side bodes well for the rest of the tournament.
"In terms of the result it can cost us dearly because it is always easier if you win your first game in the World Cup," Contepomi said.
"In terms of performance the whole team made a big step forward. I think we can build on this performance. The World Cup is a long tournament and now we have three tough games ahead of us.
"Hopefully we can improve our game. Having played only one Test in 11 months we knew it would be hard but we have to go on from here."
The Pumas are now anxiously awaiting injury news on Contepomi, who needs an x-ray on his ribs, and centre Gonzalo Tiesi, who suffered suspected ligament damage in a tackle from Courtney Lawes.
