Rugby: Johnson calls on England to up their game

MARTIN JOHNSON warned England's players their 30-17 victory over Wales on Saturday will be wasted unless they back it up against Italy in Rome on St Valentine's Day this Sunday.

England ended a run of three straight RBS 6 Nations defeats against the Welsh with a hat-trick of well-taken tries and a performance of determination, defiance and a little good fortune.

Wales had rallied from 20-3 down to within three points when Delon Armitage snatched an interception and Mathew Tait created a second try of the game for James Haskell with a sublime run and pass.

Team manager Johnson felt the manner of England's victory was a significant step forward, especially given the number of times since he took charge that they have fallen agonisingly short.

Last season, for example, England's defeats away to both Wales and ultimate Grand Slam champions Ireland were by a combined total of nine points.

England's players return to training at Pennyhill Park today and they will be greeted with a sober dose of realism from Johnson and his management team.

"It is great they have got the result we have worked so hard for – but if we want to make it into a great win we have to perform next week in Rome," said Johnson.