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Last Updated: Wednesday, 22 November 2006, 08:37 GMT
Robinson expects Goode to shine
Andy Goode and Andy Robinson
Robinson (r) expects Goode to star for England on Saturday
England coach Andy Robinson says Andy Goode can push himself into World Cup contention with a good display against South Africa on Saturday.

Goode will make just his third start at fly-half, and injuries to Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson mean he has a chance to stake his claim.

"There is now a big statement for him to make - he could take a real hold of the number 10 shirt," said Robinson.

"He has a good understanding and we will be looking to him on Saturday."

Robinson credited Goode for turning the match in England's favour last weekend as they carved out a narrow 23-21 win over South Africa.

The Leicester fly-half, among an elite group of players to have amassed more than 1,000 Premiership points, replaced Hodgson shortly before half-time with South Africa leading 13-6.

But the 26-year-old calmly dictated play behind his forwards and converted Phil Vickery's try to seal the win and halt England's seven-match losing streak.

There were basic errors that need to be corrected this week

England coach Andy Robinson

Robinson, whose future as England head coach remains under scrutiny, will look to Goode to act as a steadying influence again when his side meet the Springboks for the final autumn Test on Saturday.

"It's about the team responding to the tactical decisions he makes," added Robinson.

"Last week he turned the game around for us."

Robinson wants England to end their troubled autumn Test series on a high with an attacking display and has urged his players to play an expansive game.

"We probably got a little bit blinkered last weekend," said Robinson.

"Our whole performance became narrow, and at one stage we were attacking in 13m of width.

"How are you going to break any defence down when there are 15 players stood within 13m? You are never going to do it.

"We've got to trust ourselves to use the full width of the pitch, and be able to think under pressure to give that one extra pass where there is the space to break down a pretty physical South African defence."

Robinson has also earmarked his side's kicking game as an area for improvement.

England lost ground and points because of their wayward kicks and Robinson wants his players to cut out costly mistakes.

"Our kicking game was good during the first 20 minutes, but then panic set in and it was gone," said Robinson.

"They were basic errors that need to be corrected this week."

England are seeking an eighth successive win against South Africa, who have not won at Twickenham since 1997.

SEE ALSO
Springboks hand debut to Floors
22 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
Pick the England XV
18 Jan 06 |  Internationals
England select Goode at fly-half
21 Nov 06 |  English
Johnson calls for Robinson exit
19 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
Springboks lose trio for rematch
19 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
Robinson lauds England composure
18 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union
England 23-21 South Africa
18 Nov 06 |  Rugby Union


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