Johnson: We must avoid paying penalty

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Johnson has made one change to his starting XV from last weekend's 28-14 defeat by Australia, with James Haskell replacing Tom Croft at blindside flanker to combat the Springboks' renowned physicality.

"The guys have got to be aware that three points against South Africa is a big deal. They add up and the World Cup final is a classic example of that," said Johnson. "On Saturday we gave away some silly penalties and we were unlucky a few times."

He added: "It wasn't the same penalty being given away over and over again - but as a team we do need to become a bit smarter on the field."

Only four of the England team remain from the side that started last October's final in Paris - Nick Easter, Phil Vickery, Andrew Sheridan and Paul Sackey, but that does not make the lessons England can learn from that game any less pertinent, particularly after the manner of last weekend's defeat.

The Wallabies profited from a series of "needless penalties" to retain the Cook Cup, with Matt Giteau kicking six from seven and Stirling Mortlock landing a long-range goal.

In the World Cup final, South African full-back Percy Montgomery and Francois Steyn booted England into submission with five penalties between them.

Johnson added: "A lot of that is because we have a new team coming together. That is not an excuse but we have to function better in what we are trying to do. We need to put it right.

"It only takes five or six of those incidents in 80 minutes to make a difference. We want to be more efficient in what we do and make it more difficult for teams to defend against us and to not give away field position resulting in penalties and tries.

"To concede 28 points makes it very difficult to win. If we can cut that in half, which I think we can do, then you are in a fantastic position to win games."