Andy Johnson looking forward to the Australian tour – Rugby News Update
Andy Johnson, the former England flanker and the current coach of Scotland is relishing his team’s tour to the southern hemisphere, where they play Australia, Fiji and Samoa.
He has had a torrid time with Scotland so far, having failed to win a single game during the 2012 Six Nations tournament, and not qualifying out of the group stages at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. His future is up for debate and this might be his last chance
to prove his worth to Scotland.
However, he is confident of winning and believes the reason why he chose this tour was to test his team against the very best.
"I believe the players have the ability to win any game we play. Saying that, we have three huge Test matches. That's why we selected this tour," he said.
He further added, "Australia will pick a very good side because of us beating them in 2009. Then we've got Fiji, who will bring all their best players back to play against Scotland, and it's the same for Samoa."
Scotland plays Australia at Newcastle on June 2, before they can take on Fiji at Lautoka on June 16, and ending their tour against Samoa at Apia on June 23. It will be a gruelling outing, considering the short time between games and the travelling time involved.
Johnson has laid down the gauntlet for his team ahead of the tour, saying that it is about the results, and winning is what matters the most.
"Part of developing the spirit is by winning," said Robinson. "There is a focus on results but that is how it should be - it's an international rugby team.”
However, it is expected that the temperatures will be high on the tour, but Johnson has dismissed any speculation that soaring heat will be a factor on the performance. He expects warm conditions but he has said that every member is playing for the shirt.
Johnson was an international player for England, having played 8 matches for his country and making his debut against Australia at Sydney, on June 12, 1988. He made his name as a coach at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, when he was Clive Woodward's right-hand
man at the tournament, and England emerged victorious.
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