Robinson lauds 'magnificent' Baa-baas
Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:47
England's star fullback Jason Robinson, who brought the curtain down on a glittering career while playing for the Barbarians in their impressive 22-5 demolition of the World Cup-champions South Africa on Saturday, has lauded the team's efforts at Twickenham. Robinson, who played against the Springboks despite fears that a possible career-ending shoulder injury could keep him out of the encounter with the Boks, thanked his Barbarians teammates for their efforts - adding that he had enjoyed every second of it. "It was absolutely brilliant, you can just tell by the smiles on the guys faces," Robinson said. "We only had four days' preparation and the guys came in and put in a massive effort. That first half, especially, was outstanding, the boys played so well. In the second half, although it was raining and the weather got progressively worse, we still kept them out. "The boys' performance was absolutely fantastic," he enthused, adding that he was thrilled to have finally won against the Springboks. "With England we couldn't beat them in the World Cup [Final in Paris in October] and we couldn't beat them in the mid-year Tests, but today we got it right and won the game," he said. Robinson revealed that a lot of effort went into making the game a special occasion for him, with Barbarians captain Mark Regan giving Robinson the honour of leading the team out and lifting the trophy at the end of the game. "The game meant a lot [to me] and the guys really wanted to win it," Robinson said. "[Ma'a] Nonu said before the game that this is a special place to play and this [the Barbarians team] is a special group of guys. Just look at the guys we have here, they are outstanding and I think we got what we deserved. "The day has been magnificent," he added. The former Sale Sharks No.15 admitted that he had not been sure whether he would be able to play in the game, due to a shoulder injury picked up in England's World Cup campaign. "I wanted to get out there and play and hopefully go on for as long as possible," he said. "I'm a bit stiff but who cares now? We won the game." Robinson also revealed that he had one game still to play, his testimonial game, in June. "But after that the boots will be locked away," he assured.
