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| Tuesday, 18 June, 2002, 17:43 GMT 18:43 UK Woodward has faith in new boys Woodward has confidence in his debutants England boss Clive Woodward believes his five debutants will thrive in the pressure cooker atmosphere of a Test match in Argentina. Woodward has opted for youth over experience as England take on an Argentina side who beat Six Nations winners France 28-27 on Saturday.
Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson and Lawrence Dallaglio are all missing from the side to play in Velez Sarsfield on Saturday. Full-back Michael Horak, centres Jeff Appleford and Ben Johnston, wing Phil Christophers and lock Alex Codling will all make their international debuts. Woodward said: "All the players have a lot to gain from this game. There isn't a single player who can't come out of it without a plus point. "Obviously when we play at Twickenham it is a big advantage. But Buenos Aires is one of the toughest places to come to. "Away from home, it is just as hard as Auckland or Sydney. But if I did not think we had a genuine chance of winning then I would not have come." Woodward paid tribute to London Irish pair Horak and Appleford, who were dominant forces behind a successful Exiles season. "They have been massively impressive," said the England coach. "Those two guys have got a fantastic attitude, which is a credit both to them and their club.
But Woodward is upbeat about his team's chances against the Pumas on Saturday. "Obviously on Saturday we are going in as underdogs in a hostile situation. "But I am very confident that the back division has got the confidence to give a good account of themselves, even though there are four new caps." England have beaten Argentina seven times from 10 starts. But on six meetings in Buenos Aires they have lost two and drawn one - a clear indication of what lies ahead. |
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