TJ has Autumn mission

By Mark Stevens

Having experienced the red hot cauldron of Test rugby in South Africa last summer, Exeter Chiefs flanker Tom Johnson will be hoping to build on those exploits by featuring once again for England in the forthcoming QBE Autumn internationals.

England kick-off the four-game series this Saturday afternoon when they entertain Fiji at Twickenham, before then bracing themselves for successive fixtures against the big three of Australia (Nov 17), South Africa (Nov 24) and New Zealand (Dec 1).

For Johnson, the next month certainly represents another significant challenge in his fledgling international career. However, the 30-year-old says he cannot wait to be part of the action having been retained within the England camp by head coach Stuart Lancaster.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Johnson. "At the moment everyone is focused on Fiji and we know we need to put in a performance against them. We've worked hard this week and last within the camp and now everyone is itching to get out on the field. They [Fiji] are a quality side, I think ten of their side play over here, and they are very skilful so we will need to be on top of our game to compete with them."

Buoyed by his impressive summer tour, where he started all three Tests for Stuart Lancaster's side against the Springboks, Johnson feels the whole experience has helped to develop his game yet further.

"It was definitely a step up in terms of intensity, but I didn't feel like a fish out of water," he continued. "I felt I could hold my own at that level to a certain degree, so now I need to try to build on those three tests and use the experiences I gained to help me if I play in these Autumn games."

And working alongside both the England and Exeter coaching teams, the all-action forward appears to be developing his game even further this term.

"I have always been known as a direct runner and still have that in my game but I have been concentrating on passing and moving the ball to space more. I think my hands have improved and the decision making of getting that ball to space has definitely got better," he explained.

"I made a big focus in the summer to enjoy everything and really go out for love of the game. Whatever happens after that happens and you take it on the chin whether you've played poorly or you've played well.

"I've made sure I've worked hard and tried to do the basics right. It's something we concentrate a lot on down at Exeter. Rob [Baxter] is very good at making sure our basics and our fundamentals are sound and I think you make less mistakes and better choices with that kind of backing."

This year’s test series has an added edge to it due to the 2015 World Cup pool draw taking place on December 3rd. England are currently fourth in the rankings and Johnson says the pool draw will give added motivation for the back-row to play well throughout this month.

“We are trying to build towards the 2015 World Cup and having the best back row available playing with each other week-in, week-out and competing for that jersey will bring the best out of the side.”