Andrew backs England for success
Rob Andrew paid a key part in the appointment of Ashton after Andy Robinson was eased out
Tuesday, 21, Aug 2007 09:22
Legendary fly-half Rob Andrew has backed England's present squad of players to put up a good account of themselves as they attempt to defend their World Cup crown.
Andrew, who is now the Rugby Football Union's director of elite rugby, admits consecutive defeats to hosts France in their final two warm-up games before the showpiece tournament's start are far from ideal preparation for Brain Ashton's players.
But he is confident that Phil Vickery and his team-mates will work to improve on that pair of listless performances.
"They have still got a lot of work to do and a lot of catching up to do - but there is a huge determination to do that," he said.
"I'd be surprised if there is a group of players who have worked harder anywhere in the world than England.
"They have put an enormous amount of foundation work in and they are incredibly determined to deliver on the big stage."
England's campaign gets underway on September 8th with a Pool A meeting with USA in Lens.
Just six days later, South Africa will look to impose themselves on the competition with victory over England in Saint-Denis.
Should they lose that encounter with the Springboks, but advance to the knockout stages ahead of the USA, Tonga and Samoa, then Australia lie in wait as probable quarter-final opponents.