The Daily Telegraph's Ian Chadband looks at Martin Johnson's faded aura.
"As if boarding one of those Space Mountain roller-coasters which you just know with some trepidation will plunge you into darkness at some point, we knew Martin Johnson’s journey as England’s rugby manager would dip us wildly into the unknown.
It was almost an act of faith, really. There was a widespread, almost touching, conviction from many disciples that at the end of the ride, everything would turn out just dandy because of who was at the helm. People believed simply because the driver was Johnno. Yes, good old steely, invincible Johnno.
So when in that first November of his reign, his England succumbed to three successive defeats to the Tri-Nations giants by the combined total of 102 points to 26, perhaps England’s most miserable autumn series of all, no panic. Not with Captain Marvel in charge; a man to be trusted, a man to be followed. Never mind the lack of L plates; just feel the force of will."
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