Robinson seeks England positives

It gives us something to build on England coach Andy Robinson

England coach Andy Robinson did his best to find some positives in his below-strength side's 43-18 defeat by Australia in Melbourne.

"We have to take stock of where we are, find a ruthlessness and an ability to finish sides off," said Robinson after England's fifth straight defeat.

"The forward display was pretty impressive, and we had 63% possession.

"We have got to look forward. I was pleased with some of the ambition, but we must improve our game management."

Interview: Andy Robinson

Robinson insisted the young players taken to tour Australia would be better for the experience.

"The key element for me is that I believe a number of players can step up from this tour, and marrying that with the players we rested at home, there is a good side going forward," said Robinson.

"It is another defeat, and headlines will be created because of that, but we have got to be able to move forward. Another couple of players have come through from this tour.

We didn't get directness in attack, and our poor execution let us down England attack coach Brian Ashton

"There's positives to be taken out of this - it gives us something to build on."

Robinson said winger Tom Varndell, who endured a difficult time at the hands of opposite number Lote Tuqiri, and lock Ben Kay had impressed him.

"Varndell did well but we didn't do very well in terms of how we got him into the game," he said.

"Our line-out was excellent and Ben managed things outstandingly."

Meanwhile, England attack coach Brian Ashton admitted the players had failed to make the most of their opportunities.

"We didn't get directness in attack, and our poor execution let us down," said Ashton.

"Tom Varndell received man and ball with Tuqiri round his neck from long cut-out passes, and there was no need for those 15m passes.

"We have got to run much harder lines. A lot of those turnover balls, I suspect, came from us playing laterally rather than directly."

Ireland won't give us anywhere near the opportunities England gave us Australia coach John Connolly

Australia coach John Connolly was pleased with his side's display, but admitted he expected a far tougher encounter in the Wallabies' next game against Ireland.

"We were on the receiving end of a lot of decisions, but overall, we are delighted with the performance," he said.

"I think the first half was tough, we built up no pressure and our line-out struggled. We attacked well in midfield and the results came in the second half.

"When they played with width it loosens up the game a lot and we got the scores.

"We will work hard for Ireland, and get ready for the Tri-Nations. Ireland are a very stable side, and they won't give us anywhere near the opportunities England gave us.

"We will have to turn up, because when Ireland are at full strength, they are a very good side."