Video: Robinson backs England’s wingers to deliver in Rugby World Cup

LEEDS-born World Cup winning-hero Jason Robinson has backed England’s wingers to flourish at this year’s tournament.
Former England international, Jason Robinson.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonFormer England international, Jason Robinson.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Former England international, Jason Robinson. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Robinson, who claimed a try in England’s extra-time victory over Australia in the 2003 final, believes England’s back-three enter this year’s competition in good shape.

Anthony Watson and Jonny May both crossed in Saturday’s 21-13 victory over Ireland at Twickenham.

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“Watson’s getting better with every game, he’s got great feet,” said Robinson, a star for Wigan in rugby league, who went on to enjoy most of his club union success with Sale, after a spell with Bath.

Former England international, Jason Robinson.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonFormer England international, Jason Robinson.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Former England international, Jason Robinson. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

“It’s all about consistent performance and he’s starting to do just that now.

“In the tight games you need someone who can turn them, and you look at some of the tries he’s scored and he’s doing that.

“I was very impressed with Jonny May at the weekend.

“Some of the tries he’s scored have been fantastic but his mind can wander.

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“In that game he was great though, and when you go into the World Cup you need guys who will focus all the time.”

Robinson, who started his amateur league career at Hunslet Parkside and Hunslet Boys Club, also believes the experience and quality of full-back Mike Brown allows England’s wing threats to flourish on the front foot.

“Mike Brown brings a lot of stability to that back-three,” he added.

“He’s not the fastest full-back in the world but somehow he keeps beating defenders.

“So I’m a lot happier now after that Ireland game.”