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Head coach Andy Robinson and skipper Martin Corry have received very public backing from within their own camp ahead of what could potentially be their last match at the England helm.
Robinson has been the subject of unrelenting criticism in recent weeks for overseeing the miserable run of seven straight defeats that culminated in the embarrassing 25-18 loss to Argentina earlier in the month.
Some face was saved by last weekend's narrow 23-21 victory over South Africa and the Springboks are the visitors to Twickenham once again this Saturday as England bring the curtain down on their troubled autumn schedule.
However, the coach's fate could be sealed once a detailed review of the autumn internationals is completed with many tipping the decks to be cleared ahead of next year's World Cup in France.
Despite the calls for his head, Robinson and his captain enjoy continued support from their squad and staff, with forwards coach John Wells full of nothing but admiration for the job that has been done in recent days.
"For a guy (Robinson) put under some massive pressure in the job environment and in the media, he has dealt with it all very well," Wells stated.
"He has kept his cool, and you have got to have a lot of admiration for the way he has driven the whole squad forward.
"He has driven, and kept together, a very difficult situation very well."
Of Corry, he continued: "Martin has been under an enormous amount of pressure, but he's guided the side in the build-up and on the pitch.
"It takes guts and character, and you need guys like that who will not just flunk away. You want guys who, when you are in trouble, say `let's sort it out.'
"On Saturday they kept their cool, and they clawed it back."
Meanwhile, Sale forward Chris Jones is hoping to prove his worth to Robinson this weekend having been given the nod to form a new second-row partnership with Wasps star Tom Parker.
Jones was merely a frustrated spectator as England crashed to a record 41-20 home defeat to New Zealand recently and took the opportunity to inform Robinson of his disappointment.
A place on the bench against South Africa ensued and he will now have the opportunity to impress from the start on Saturday and is looking to grasp the nettle.
"I was disappointed not to get a chance against the All Blacks, and I told Andy Robinson I could have made a difference," Jones declared.
"He said 'yes, fair point,'. He brought me on the bench last week (against South Africa), so he was obviously listening, and I am really excited to be starting on Saturday.
"I was very impressed with South Africa's lineout last Saturday, and our goal is to try to put more pressure on them in that area.
"I am really looking forward to the challenge."
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Source: Sky Sports |
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