RFA must stick with Johnson, says Underwood

Published on Wednesday 31 March 2010 23:21

ENGLAND'S all-time leading try scorer Rory Underwood has urged the Rugby Football Union to keep faith with team manager Martin Johnson for next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

England have won just three out of eight matches this season, although Johnson's side did finish a poor Six Nations campaign with a decent display against Grand Slam champions France.

England next travel to Australia for two Tests in June before welcoming the Wallabies, Samoa, South Africa and New Zealand to Twickenham at the end of the year, with the World Cup taking place at the end of 2011.

"A bad performance in the summer or the games at home could see him leave, I can't agree with that and I can't disagree with that. But personally I feel Martin should be there until the World Cup," Underwood said. "Whatever happens, bringing in someone at the late stage, you have to think who would take over and would they make any change. As far as I am concerned, you stick with him. What we have seen this season is a side that has been consistently there or thereabouts. There were a few changes for the French game and we will see how it goes on the summer tour."

Underwood continued: "There has been a lot frustration expressed by everyone who has been watching the England team. I have been a big supporter of Martin and making him stay until the World Cup. Obviously we finished on a high with regards to how we played against France. But there is still a lot of work to do."

England begin their bid to follow up back-to-back World Cup finals appearances against Argentina in Christchurch in September next year, but Underwood believes preparations should start in the summer, with new faces drafted in for England's games with the Australian Barbarians and New Zealand Maori.