Robinson accentuates the positives
'I was really pleased with the ambition'
England coach Andy Robinson insists his side is "moving forward" despite the crushing 34-3 loss to Australia in Sydney on Sunday.
It was England's third-heaviest defeat since Tests began between the countries in 1909, being eclipsed only by a 76-0 humiliation eight years ago and 51-15 drubbing when the Wallabies ran riot at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium in 2004.
England have now lost four successive games against all opponents, while their post-2003 World Cup record shows 14 losses from 25 starts.
Australia hardly broke sweat, starting slowly but then moving through the gears as fullback Chris Latham, wing Mark Gerrard and debut-making prop Rodney Blake claimed second-half tries.
Centre Stirling Mortlock kicked 19 points – five penalties and two conversions – while all England could manage was an Olly Barkley penalty as they found themselves outclassed in critical areas.
England have got to pick themselves up for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne, and it represents a Herculean task for Robinson and his players.
"The game is about getting over the try-line, but the opportunities we created we bombed straightaway," he said.
"We got turned over with the ball. I was really pleased with the ambition and our ability to open Australia up – I thought we rattled them in defence – but you have to take your chances.
"There was some great scramble defence by Australia, and whenever they got in behind us, they took their chances well. When we get behind sides, we've got to take the chances.
"I thought we played pretty well in the first half, but our inability to control the ball in our half gave them three penalty chances. We allowed Australia to keep the scoreboard ticking.
"In international rugby, sides have the ability to score 30 or 40 points. It's how we stay in the game by scoring points ourselves.
"We have to keep our nerve and believe in what we are trying to achieve. I am still confident we are moving forward and in what we are trying to achieve."
Robinson is likely to make changes for Melbourne, although he will hope that flank Magnus Lund recovers in time from a groin strain sustained in the match.
England skipper Pat Sanderson was sure his troops could rally from the defeat.
"Most defeats feel the same – they are hard to deal with – but I am certain we can do better next week and that we can take big strides forward," he said.
"I don't think we are far off, but we have got to do it for 80 minutes and be merciless with any chances we get.
"We made a couple of breaks we should have finished, and we could have gone in at half-time after scoring 17 points. We will learn from our mistakes."
