Johnson makes emotional Subiaco return
DALE MILLER, The West Australian December 8, 2009, 1:01 pm
English rugby coach Martin Johnson revisited fond memories in Perth this morning as part of a reconnaissance trip ahead of his side's winter tour of Australia next year.
England will play the first fixture of a two-Test series against the Wallabies at Subiaco Oval on June 12, with Johnson visiting the ground for the first time since England's triumphant 2003 World Cup campaign.
The former lock captained his country in two dominant group stage victories over Georgia and South Africa at the football ground during the World Cup ahead of his team's thrilling 20-17 win over Australia in the final in Sydney.
Johnson, 39, praised Subiaco Oval, but said not much had changed since he last visited the venue.
"I think it's a great place to play actually," he said. "I've got fond memories of coming here in '03 in two games with big crowds. It's a good venue."
The English coach, who also attended an earlier Western Force training session, flagged that several midweek games could be played against domestic teams during the series.
Johnson is expected to use the tour as preparation for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
"We'll bring our strongest squad … it's a very important tour for us," he said.
The second Test will be played in Sydney on June 19
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