First big test for Johnson

Updated 16.50 Fri Nov 07 2008

Keywords: all blacks, wallabies, new zealand, international, sport, pacific, pacific islands, johnson, rugby, martin johnson, rugby union

Martin Johnson has said England are in good shape ahead of their Pacific Islanders clash.

Johnson takes charge of England for the first time at Twickenham on Saturday, leading a new-look side featuring four debutants in front of an expectant crowd of around 55,000.

Johnson takes charge of England for the first time at Twickenham on Saturday, leading a new-look side featuring four debutants in front of an expectant crowd of around 55,000

It is the first time England have played the Pacific Islanders, a side picked from the cream of Fijian, Tongan and Samoan players

Saracens scrum-half Mosese Rauluni, Worcester prop Aleki Lutui, Leicester centre Seru Rabeni and Clermont Auvergne centre Seremai Bai are among the Guiness Premiership stars who feature in the squad.

Johnson says new attack coach Brian Smith will help give England a competitive edge in what is sure to be a bone-crunching baptism for the new team.

He said: "This team's come together very well. Will we be better in two or three weeks' time? Of course we will. Are we ready to play tomorrow? Yes."