Beware banana skins warns 2003 hero Robinson
JASON Robinson has been highly impressed by England’s form in the build up to the World Cup and is hoping Eddie Jones’ men will deliver everything they are promising in Japan.
However, the 2003 Sydney hero, right, remains convinced the tournament will be the most wide open yet – and is predicting some major upsets when the latest battle for the Webb Ellis Cup sparks into life in just 19 days’ time.
Owen Farrell and his England players raised the bar in terms of quality and intensity of performance in the 57-15 thrashing of Ireland at Twickenham
Having already enjoyed a strong home victory over Wales before losing a close contest in Cardiff in the return, England will sign off their preparations in Newcastle on Friday night when Italy visit.
The North East public will be anticipating another comfortable and convincing victory, but Robinson insists England and their major World Cup rivals will still face plenty of potential embarrassing moments in the Far East.
He said: “There are so many potential banana skins about. Everybody will have their favourites.
“But in a World Cup you simply have to be consistent. I remember in 2003 when we nearly got turned over by Samoa.
“Those smaller sides raise themselves hugely because that is the biggest game for them, and they know they have a chance to take a big scalp and will do everything they possibly can to upset you.
“Wales found that to their cost in France in 2007 when Fiji beat them.
“Your Tongas, Samoas and Fijis are big, strong physical sides and if you don’t take them seriously they can certainly punish you.
“England have both Tonga and the United States in their Pool. Having the two smaller opponents can be a good way to start a World Cup but you have to get the job done against them and lay down a firm platform for the remaining fixtures in the Pool which look like being considerably tougher against Argentina and France. They will want to be able to go into that last game with the French having already secured progress through to the quarters and only wondering if they will finish first or second in the Pool.”
While New Zealand remain favourites to lift the trophy, their third on the bounce, England are among a handful of realistic contenders.
Robinson adds: “In my eyes it is the most open World Cup ever. Rather than having two or three realistic contenders to win the trophy you have at least half a dozen who really do have a chance and others in the tournament capable of causing major upsets.
“Japan caused a massive surprise when they beat South Africa four years ago so there is no reason why, as host nation, they cannot produce another shock or two.
“They are a better side now with a better structure, and have the little matter of the whole of the Japanese public right behind them and desperate to see them do well.”