Robinson: Defence is key
Andy Robinson has pinned his faith in recalled Wasps flanker Joe Worsley to halt South Africa’s anticipated route-one approach at Twickenham on Saturday.
Worsley will win his 52nd cap among a reshaped England back row that sees captain Martin Corry at number eight, Pat Sanderson in the number-seven shirt and Lewis Moody relegated to replacement duty.
Despite Worsley’s injury-disrupted season for Wasps, head coach Robinson and forwards specialist John Wells were sufficiently impressed with his performance against Bath last weekend to promote him from outside England’s initial 30-man autumn Test squad.
“South Africa are going to come route-one at you. They are very direct and in your face,” said Robinson.
“They are a team we have to stop and Joe Worsley has been one of the best defenders in the Guinness Premiership this season. We know the job he can do to stop South Africa’s momentum.
“The back row (against New Zealand and Argentina) hasn’t worked as well as we would have liked it to work and we have had to look at that.”
