Rugby: England remind me of Mains' era - Fitzpatrick

Laurie Mains ruled the All Blacks with an iron fist. Photo / NZ Herald

LONDON - Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick says England remind him of the New Zealand rugby side of the early 1990s: nervous and terrified of failure.

And he insists World Cup-winning England captain Martin Johnson is the man to lead them out of their slump as they prepare for the All Blacks at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT).

Fitzpatrick, a Harlequins board member who plies his trade as a commentator for Sky Sports in Britain, said England's body language in their 16-9 win over Argentina said it all.

The test last weekend was marred by the home fans booing their players off the field and throwing paper darts.

The 92-test All Blacks hooker said the performance brought back memories of his own playing days in black.

"They looked nervous, scared even, with that fear of failure hanging over them. I remember we had a spell from 1992-94 when Laurie Mains was coach and we were all frightened of upsetting Laurie, who ruled with an iron fist," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"It got to the stage in 1994 when we all just looked at each other and figured if we took those All Black jerseys off and played as we did for our provinces, then it would be a different game. And it was."

Johnson has felt the sharp end of the critics' pens this week, with his record of just six wins from 13 tests in charge.

Fitzpatrick said Johnson should back himself as he looks to turn around a 32-6 scoreline by the All Blacks at Twickenham a year ago.

"There's no reason why England can't get back to where they were in 2003. And there's no reason why Johnson shouldn't be the man to lead them there.

"Martin knew exactly what he was getting himself in to. He went in with eyes wide open and felt that he could make a difference.

"He doesn't need sympathy or support, and I'm sure he's not feeling sorry for himself. He'll just get on with doing the job."

Both sides will be named early tomorrow (NZT), and Fitzpatrick insisted England shouldn't have anything to fear in the head-to-head contest with Jonny Wilkinson at the helm against All Blacks pivot Dan Carter.

"He (Johnson) should go through the All Black side man for man and tell his guys that they are as good if not better than their opposite number.

"And even if you get to McCaw and Carter, then you're pitting them against Lewis Moody and Jonny Wilkinson, England's stand-out players.

"England have got to go out and play rugby. Steve Borthwick has got to forget about captaincy and just play. There are a lot of England players out there who look as if they want to follow a strong lead."

- NZPA