Rugby Union: Jason Robinson to embark on his last great rugby adventure

Sep 8 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

JASON ROBINSON will embark on his last great rugby adventure tomorrow, declaring: “I hope to finish off in the best way possible.”

Robinson’s outstanding England career – 46 caps, 27 tries and a World Cup winner’s medal – is nearing its conclusion.

The 33-year-old has already retired from club rugby, ending his successful stint with Sale Sharks almost five months ago.

A Twickenham farewell is lined up, with the former rugby league star set to appear for the Barbarians against South Africa on December 1, but it is as an England player that Robinson has a golden chance to bow out in style.

His association with the white jersey ends when England’s World Cup campaign reaches its conclusion.

Many pundits believe that could be as early as October 6, when they face a possible quarter-final clash against Australia, but Robinson’s ambitions extend further than that.

He said: “There is a big job ahead. We have not actually shown our hand yet – we didn’t show that much over the last three (warm-up) games.

“But we have covered a lot of ground, and there is a lot more to come from this team.

“I am excited about the squad’s potential. I have heard the comments that people think we won’t do anything.

“Looking around the squad and seeing what we have got excites me.

“It is one thing having that talent – it is another going out and performing. Hopefully, we have saved it for the big stage.

“The guys want to go out there and make an impact. It is time to produce – it is as simple as that.

“In some ways, no-one expects us to do anything, so it would be nice to give everyone a big surprise.”

Robinson added: “Winning the World Cup once is a major thing, there is no doubt about it. To follow up four years later is a very hard thing to do. No-one has done it yet (successfully defended the trophy), and it would be nice if we could.

“The main difference between this squad and the last one is time spent together. We had years together before the 2003 tournament, but we go into the USA game only just knowing what our strongest squad is.”