Flanker James Haskell says Martin Johnson's England need to be given time to prove they can be a force in world rugby.
Give Johnson 12 months before criticism says England flanker
Flanker James Haskell says Martin Johnson's England need to be given time to prove that they can be a real force in world rugby.
England suffered a humiliating record 42-6 defeat at Twickenham on Saturday, when they were taught a harsh lesson by world champions South Africa.
With the result coming a week after a heavy defeat by Australia, and with New Zealand next up on Saturday, the knives are already out for Johnson and his team.
Wasps man Haskell insists that Johnson has assembled a talented squad capable of challenging anyone in the world - but added that it will take time for the team to develop.
Haskell has called for the critics to give Johnson 12 months in the job before judging his policy, as he fully believes England will come good in the end.
Judgement
"We knew this was going to be a turbulent autumn internationals," said Haskell.
"We're playing against the best teams in the world and we're a new side. I'm not a big fan of making excuses. I hate doing it.
"But I think we do have something special here. We've got a great group of players. They are the best available and we'll keep going forward.
"We almost scored some good points, all it took was one pass that didn't go our way and that comes when you are a seasoned side.
"Rome wasn't built in a day and we are going to keep progressing.
"It's about final execution. We have a lot of talented players. Have this conversation in a year's time and if we lose like this again then you have a valid point."
Haskell says belief will be the key for Johnson and his players - and that they should continue to stick to their game plan despite the criticism that comes their way.
With the All Blacks next up, England will need to improve from Saturday to avoid another heavy defeat, but regardless Haskell is keeping his focus on the long term.
All Blacks
"I'm looking forward to playing against New Zealand and slowly building," he added.
"People are going to try to pick holes but we are a collective here. We are building to something. We are going to go away and work. You have got to take your knocks.
"But we have got to have confidence in what we are trying to achieve and faith in the game plan that the coaches have put together and move forward."
Haskell voiced his support for Wasps and England team-mate Danny Cipriani, who had a nightmare against the Springboks with his kick charged down for the second try of the match.
Haskell still thinks Cipriani is up to the job though, as are a number of England players who, he says, had the better of their battles with South Africa on Saturday.
"I rate Danny very highly," said Haskell. "He's a great player.
"The whole team were under pressure. We created a lot of opportunities that could have been turned into tries but South Africa were able to capitalise on errors and turn them into points.
"But the passion was there, the intensity was there and the scoreline was flattering to South Africa.
"Certain (England) individuals had the better of their opposition."
