KEY POINTS:
Andy Robinson does not have a great reputation as a selector nor has his coaching resume stacked up with England since he took over after the last World Cup.
From all accounts he has a noose around his neck with the executioner's mitt around the trapdoor release mechanism.
The evidence of 10 defeats, including the last five in succession, in 18 tests under Robinson's tutelage is depicted as an execution in waiting for the coach. England have plunged from first to sixth in the world.
It is a sad record and even though England's new elite rugby director Rob Andrew said on his September appointment that the "slate had been wiped clean", there is no question it will count this month.
England play four tests starting with the All Blacks on Monday amidst speculation that Robinson will need at least two wins if he is not to join the coaching dole queue before Christmas.
Robinson has delivered a brave selection riposte for the daunting start against an All Blacks side that tops the world rankings.
Two new backline caps, including the 20-year-old midfielder Anthony Allen, allied to ideas about a new attacking intent, have come with Robinson's gambit for Twickenham.
Allen looks slight but he earned his callup after comparing favourably in his recent duel for Gloucester against the Leinster and Irish test pairing of Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll.
But the question remains whether the latest England selection is a reward for form, a last resort, or merely the result of an extensive injury list.
Their playing resources are huge but they have been wounded by a lengthy list of casualties. A war continues between clubs and country, which has hindered progress, while there is undoubted player fatigue with their exhaustive competitions.
There has also been a reluctance to use and persevere with some of the younger brigade.
Mathew Tait is seen as a prime example. The teenage centre was tried once in the last Six Nations then culled. He is not around this time either because of a leg injury he suffered at the weekend.
But Gloucester coach Dean Ryan has demanded that Robinson be far more forgiving with Allen than he was with Tait last season.
Fullback Josh Lewsey and No 8 James Forrester were more weekend casualties with knee damage, while a number of familiar names like Olly Barclay, Stuart Abbott, Mike Tindall, Steve Thompson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Phil Vickery and Matt Stevens are all unavailable because of injury or fitness issues.
Still, Robinson has cobbled together a very experienced pack with Martin Corry asked to lead from the blindside flank.
Behind that pack, 28-year-old former welder Shaun Perry wins his first cap and has also been chosen as one of three vice-captains along with Charlie Hodgson and Ben Kay.
Perry has only played two seasons of Premiership rugby at Bristol but has worked up a strong reputation there under the guidance of former England scrumhalf Richard Hill.
Perry is a chunky halfback, he clears the ball well and breaks strongly, much in the mould of All Black Byron Kelleher, but his credentials are limited.
Rather than delay for late checks on some of his injured, Robinson picked his side on schedule.
It was a positive move from the England coach. As a player Robinson was resolute, determined and unwavering but there has not been the same conviction about his selection and coaching.
By either design or necessity, he has made some moves for Monday.
England v All Blacks
Twickenham, 4.30am Monday
England: Iain Balshaw, Mark Cueto, Jamie Noon, Anthony Allen, Ben Cohen, Charlie Hodgson, Shaun Perry, Pat Sanderson, Lewis Moody, Martin Corry (c), Danny Grewcock, Ben Kay, Julian White, George Chuter, Andy Sheridan.
* Reserves to be confirmed
