Robinson survived the axe in the RFU's recent shake-up

Robinson survived the axe in the Rugby Football Union's shake-up that followed England's poor Six Nations campaign.

But Fitzpatrick said: "It's fair to say Robinson would not have lasted in the position if he was All Blacks coach.

"The RFU has had the opportunity to get rid of him and they haven't, and they're not going to now."

Brian Ashton, John Wells and Mike Ford are expected to be unveiled as England's back-up coaching team next week.

I think Graham Henry has shown the way... he is very experienced and isn't worried about people challenging him Sean Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick believes they and Robinson need to follow the example of New Zealand to get them out of their current rut.

All Blacks boss Graham Henry has former Wales coach Steve Hansen and ex-Northampton coach Wayne Smith advising him.

"I think Graham Henry has shown the way. He is very experienced and isn't worried about people challenging him," said Fitzpatrick.

"He now has two very good technical coaches with him, and as long as Robinson can somehow do something similar with his team - and has the right people around him - things could improve."

They have the time to bring these young players on a bit before the World Cup Fitzpatrick on England

The first test for England's new coaching team will come when they tour Australia this summer.

Robinson is without a number of his big-name internationals, who are either injured or rested over the summer, so he is expected to turn to a number of inexperienced players.

Fitzpatrick added: "I think the summer tour will do them some good, and they still have the time to develop some young talent.

"I think they got burnt a bit last year on the Lions tour when they threw in a couple of young players.