Twickenham tickets news: Martin Johnson slams poor finishing

15/02/2010

Rugby fans with England v BarbariansTwickenham tickets may be hoping for an improved performance following Martin Johnson's side's narrow victory over Italy.

England ran out 17-12 winners in Rome - a closer margin than many would have expected - and were only two points clear until a late penalty from Jonny Wilkinson helped to ease the nerves.

The fly-half's normally impeccable radar went awry, with an uncharacteristic series of missed penalties and conversions, including two which were almost directly in front of the posts.

And Johnson was particularly critical of his team's failure to convert more of their rare moments of attacking pressure into points.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the England coach said: "It shouldn't have been that close at the end but we didn't take our opportunities.

"We created some really good try scoring chances but didn't finish them off."

He admitted that Italy's tactics had left his team frustrated, stating that during the first half in particular there were numerous occasions when bodies at the back of the ruck had prevented England from securing quick ball.

Posted by Oliver Jakes