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Robinson: We've dropped off the pace

09/11/2005

England coach Andy Robinson has admitted that the world champions have dropped off the pace since they lifted the title in Sydney.

A run of just seven wins in 16 games since their World Cup final triumph has seen England be overtaken by New Zealand, South Africa, France and Wales on the world stage.

Therefore, Robinson has signalled that this weekend's game against Australia is the perfect time for his team to get back on track and build for the next World Cup in France.

"Obviously, since the last World Cup we have not stayed still and not moved forward - we have dropped off the pace," he said.

"There are steps we need to take, and the autumn internationals are the first steps on the ladder of how we are going to develop and move forward."

England have lost their last two encounters with the Wallabies but the Australians arrive at Twickenham on Saturday on the back of six straight defeats.

Therefore, the England coach is not taking anything for granted.

"Any Australian side is very dangerous," Robinson added.

"I don't see them as being low on confidence as they have belief in each other, and in all the games I've watched, it's just been careless errors that has cost them."

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