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Andrew gives Johnson`s squad his approval

Tuesday 13th May 2008

Thumbs up: Andrew believes Johnson has selected the right mix in his squad

England's Director of Elite Rugby Rob Andrew believes that the England squad selected for the two-Test tour to New Zealand have the ability to do themselves justice.

Martin Johnson, England's new Team Manager, announced on Tuesday his first England squad since taking charge. Bath second row Steve Borthwick has been charged with leading the side as they look to repeat their heroic victory of 2003.

And, while Andrew recognises the massive task facing the players making the trip to face the All Blacks, he thinks the players his former team-mate has selected are in form and on the top of their game.

"This is a good squad that is playing well," he told Setanta Sports News.

"We'll try and go there and do it justice. We're lucky in a sense that we have got players who are fit and playing well, and that's the key around the selection.

"Going to New Zealand is very tough. They have lost some players since the World Cup, as we have. We have changed a lot since the World Cup as well. But there is always an extra element to playing there, this is their opportunity.

"We are not under any illusion as to how tough this will be. But, as I said, the players are playing well we have a good squad to take with us to New Zealand."

Andrew also believes the players will have to step their performance up a notch if they are to succeed in a country Andrew believes is the ultimate test as a player.

"For me playing against the All Blacks in New Zealand was the ultimate test as a player," he added.

"There is an added intensity to playing rugby in New Zealand which puts you under enormous pressure. Any team that has ever won in New Zealand has probably had to have played the best rugby of their lives down there.

"So that's the challenge for us to see if we can deliver some of our best rugby both individually and collectively. And, if that doesn't get you up in the morning then I don't know what will."