After being hit by a southern-hemisphere hurricane in the autumn, critics were quick to question whether Martin Johnson was the right choice as England team manager. He always insisted that he should be given time to grow into the role. So how has Johnson fared in the key areas?
Selection
Johnson has fielded 46 players in his 11 full internationals. It has been a year of many pluses, the emergence of Delon Armitage, Dylan Hartley, Ugo Monye, Riki Flutey, Matt Banahan, Tom Croft and David Wilson among them. Johnson will complete his assessments by the end of June and announce his elite senior and Saxons squads early next month. The amended law changes will influence his thinking and should play to England’s strengths.
Tactics
Occasionally one-dimensional because England had to build from the bottom up. Critics point to an over-reliance on a kicking game, a safety-first approach based on position and territory. For Johnson, though, it is all about winning, not necessarily the manner of it. Johnson is not one for fancy dans.
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Organisation and public relations
Not surprisingly, Johnson uses the England vintage of 2003 as his yardstick. Since then England have fallen away in terms of fitness, organisation and support. Johnson is a big enough character to get his way and the RFU will not stand in his way. Proving, too, to be a smooth PR operator.
Prospects
England’s next three matches are in November against Argentina, Fiji and New Zealand. Given the problems that the All Blacks are facing - their defeat at home to France on Saturday was significant - England should win all three.