Twelve axed as Johnson lays down the law
Martin Johnson insists his England side must learn from their two-Test mauling by the All Blacks if they are to compete with the world’s elite.
Johnson marked his first day as England team manager by demoting no fewer than 12 senior internationals from his first 32-man elite squad.
And he vowed to crack down on any squad indiscipline after allegations of sexual assault were made against four England players on last month’s tour to New Zealand.
“It is not what we are about,” Johnson said. “The England team has never had it before and we shall never have it again
“The allegations made against the England team were serious. We can’t have that for our players, for our team, for our sport.”
Johnson’s former playing teammates Mike Tindall, Ben Kay and Joe Worsley are three of the biggest casualties, and they join the likes of Nick Easter, David Strettle, and Topsy Ojo on Saxons duty.
Wasps’ New Zealand-born centre Riki Flutey is handed a call-up along with uncapped trio Dylan Hartley, Nick Kennedy and Jordan Crane.
Explaining his selection, Johnson said: “We’ve always got to improve. We were beaten in two Tests by a very good New Zealand team so we have to get up there and be better than them.
“We have picked certain guys for specific roles. That is about how we are going to play as a team.”