The results look damning but the chorus of approval for Martin Johnson, the under-presssure England team manager, grows by the day. Jonny Wilkinson, a team-mate in the 2003 World Cup victory, hailed Johnson as having the potential to become a great England manager, while Sean Fitzpatrick, the former New Zealand captain, believes that Johnson just needs time.

After three punishing defeats by Australia, South Africa and, last weekend, New Zealand, Johnson is under enormous strain to find a winning formula fast.

That includes discovering whether Danny Cipriani, the fly half who was replaced by Toby Flood in the starting XV against the All Blacks, can survive the criticism heaped on him after the autumn internationals.

Fitzpatrick, one of the greatest and most combative captains of New Zealand, says that Johnson faces having to overcome years of neglect of the national side. “They are going through a rebuilding phase,” he said. “Martin Johnson went into this with his eyes open. It is not a quick fix, it is something that should have been done five years ago after the World Cup win in 2003.

“But I think the England team has great potential. Danny Cipriani should have played against New Zealand last weekend. The only way he will learn is by going in at the deep end, so you have got to throw him in at the deep end and he will be fine. He needs time like the rest.”

Wilkinson disclosed yesterday that he had sent a text of consolation to Cipriani after the 21-year-old was dropped to the replacements’ bench for last Saturday’s game against the All Blacks.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I know what Danny is capable of. I sent him a text saying this is going to be crucial and enormous for you in every way, so embrace it. He is going to feel bad at the moment but he will look back and say, ‘Thank God for that.’ ”

Wilkinson also gave warning that Johnson needs time and patience to mould a new team from the remnants of the side that battled to the final of the 2007 World Cup, before losing to South Africa in Paris.

“I trust the players and the coaches and I know what they have got,” the Newcastle Falcons fly half said. “There is a certain amount of learning that needs to be done. If you try to hurry the experience by bringing in different players or changing things too much, you end up facing the problem again later on.

“Worrying about pressure and what may happen doesn’t help anyone. I believe Martin Johnson will be successful. To think that someone is going to achieve success straight away without a period of learning and adjustment is ridiculous. The thing about Johnno is that he is such an astute and clever guy, he will pick up on that learning very quickly.”