Delon Armitage in Argentina warning

13 April 2012

Delon Armitage warned England will need to be "10 times better and 10 times more physical" if they are to complete a Test series victory over Argentina.

England flew to Buenos Aires last night after two tries from Armitage had helped Martin Johnson's men down the Pumas 37-15 in the first Test at Old Trafford.

But Johnson has told his players to expect a backlash in Salta this Saturday - and Armitage is determined to end his first season as a Test player on a high.

"Next week is going to massive. We will need to be 10 times better in defence and 10 times more physical. Over there it will be a battle and we know they will come back stronger," said the London Irish full-back.

Armitage has been one of the biggest success stories of Johnson's reign following his promotion from outside England's top 64 players into the Test team.

The 25-year-old has started all 10 Tests under Johnson and is widely considered to be unlucky not to be with Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey - two other players elevated into the international arena by Johnson - on the Lions tour.

"Delon is maturing as a player. He's taken his disappointment with the Lions very well," said Johnson.

"He's done very well for us. I enjoy watching him play and being part of the team. He's with us until he gets the call from the Lions.

"I hope for his sake he does get the call, though it will be nice if it's after next Saturday."

Armitage was joined on the score-sheet at Old Trafford by Matt Banahan, who marked his Test debut with a try, and 22-points from Andy Goode.

It was also source of much pride to defence coach Mike Ford that England kept Argentina tryless after shipping five tries to the Barbarians in last week's non-cap international.

But Armitage insisted England would not be resting on their laurels this week - not with masterful Pumas fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez and their powerful forwards plotting their downfall.

"We were very disappointed after last week. I don't think Argentina played as well as we expected, but we know that's going to happen next week," said Armitage.

"We were disappointed to concede 30 points last week and not to let in a try against an international team like Argentina showed how hard we worked on our defence during the week.

"But there were still times when we were a bit lazy and we're going to have to move up another level."

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