This was England’s eighth defeat in their past nine games, a staggering state of affairs for world champions in any sport. The last time England had such a poor run was 33 years ago. “We are heading in the right direction,” Robinson said afterwards, provoking incredulity among many people, who believe that England are not heading in any direction whatsoever. Their forward play was powder-puff, their back play ridiculously complicated and ineffective. They were eaten alive by a Springbok team that left 10 key players at home to rest.
England play next in the Six Nations in February. Unbelievably, there were even indications last night that Robinson wants to try to ride out the storm. “I’m not going to walk away from this,” he insisted. “I think we are moving forward, but it takes time.”
His performance will be reviewed by his Rugby Football Union employers tomorrow, with any recommendations to be made by his superior, the director of elite rugby Rob Andrew. Despite his brave words before all the autumn Tests, and despite protestations that the players are behind Robinson, there can be no doubt that he has lost the squad.
England desperately need short-term measures to stem the rapid decline, and there could be a call for the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, the Wasps No 8, to return to the fold to try to inspire the squad.
Ironically, England’s sole try in a grim afternoon was awarded in error when referee Alan Lewis wrongly ruled that Mark Cueto had touched down fairly.
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In other games, Scotland lost 44-15 to Australia, Wales went down 45-10 to New Zealand and France defeated Argentina 27-26.