Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

England 22 New Zealand 30: 'Proud' Chris Robshaw calls for his side to be as clinical as the All Blacks if they want to taste victory

Sporting a badly swollen eye, Robshaw admitted that New Zealand set the benchmark for every other team after narrow defeat

Agency
Sunday 17 November 2013 01:00 GMT
Comments
A proud yet dejected Chris Robshaw leas the England side off the pitch
A proud yet dejected Chris Robshaw leas the England side off the pitch

England captain Chris Robshaw believes his side must be more clinical if they are to beat New Zealand.

Many positives will come out of the battling 22-30 defeat to the world champions at Twickenham and Robshaw, sporting a swollen eye for his efforts, believes he has identified the crucial difference between the two sides.

He told Sky Sports 1: "I think the difference between them and us at the moment is as soon as they get chances they are clinical. And that's the benchmark.

"I'm extremely proud of the lads out there. We are going in the right direction. We will keep on moving and keep on learning."

Responding to a question about the knock to his eye, Robshaw added: "That's what Test rugby is about. It's pretty physical."

His New Zealand counterpart Richie McCaw admitted his side had to work hard for the victory.

"I think Test footy is about taking your chances when they come, whether it is in the first minute or the last minute," he said.

Robshaw took a nasty blow to his left eye

England coach Stuart Lancaster echoed his captain's views.

"I thought they were very clinical," he said. "Clearly there were some areas we did not get right.

"To have come back from 17-3 down to be leading 22-20 and not close out the game, we are frustrated really. But I'm proud with the performance.

"Everyone is very disappointed in the dressing room that we have lost and that shows how far we have come as a team."

Lancaster admitted more competition was needed for places in the midfield, adding: "But we have talent coming through."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in