England relief as Wilkinson nails Boks
Coach Clive Woodward and skipper Martin Johnson admitted there was “relief” in the England camp after the 25-6 win over South Africa.
England were fortunate to be level at 6-6 at half-time after a shaky first half when Springbok fly-half Louis Koen missed three kickable penalties.
But Jonny Wilkinson, Koen’s opposite number, was his ever- reliable self, kicking four penalties, two drop goals and a conversion – of Will Greenwood’s crucial 63rd-minute try – for a 20-point haul.
Afterwards Woodward was glad to have a crucial win in the bag that gives England a more favourable route to a potential final.
“It was a must win game that we’ve won and we’re very relieved,” Woodward told ITV.
“It was a poor game but we’ve won it and we move on. There was a lot of tension going into the game. It was a big game, and one that we could have slipped up in, but we got through it.
“It was a hard contest and a pretty frustrating first half but we came through OK and now we can go to Melbourne with a smile on our faces.”
Johnson echoed Woodward’s sentiments after emerging victorious from a fierce but fair battle with the Springboks.
“I think relief is the word but we’ve got to enjoy it as well,” said Johnson.
“There has been a lot of pressure on the team this week and it was a huge game but we’ve handled it pretty well in the end.
“It was a tough game and it could have gone differently if they had kicked their goals in the first half. But when Will charged down for the try that made all the difference.
“They put a lot of pressure on us but our defence was pretty good and we didn’t concede a try.”
| Related Stories: |
|
