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In the [[2006 Six Nations Championship|2006 Six Nations]] an opening win over Wales gave England a promising start.<ref name="WalEng060204">{{cite news| title=England 47-13 Wales |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4673064.stm |publisher=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-02-21 |date=[[2006-02-04]]}}</ref> This was followed by an unconvincing victory over Italy, then defeats to both Scotland and France.<ref name="2006SNReview">{{cite news| url=http://www.scrum.com/39_1330.php |title=How the 2006 Six Nations unfolded... |publisher=scrum.com |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2007-01-21]] |last=Jenkins |first=Graham}}</ref> Coach Robinson responded by making seven changes for the final match against Ireland; which they lost to hand Ireland the triple crown.<ref name="7Changes">{{cite news| url=http://www.eurosport.com/rugby/six-nations/2006/sport_sto850224.shtml |title=England ring changes |publisher=eurosport.com |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-03-14]]}}</ref><ref name="Ire06TC">{{cite news| url=http://www.eurosport.com/rugby/six-nations/2006/sport_sto852690.shtml |title=Ireland break English hearts to take triple crown |publisher=eurosport.com |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-03-18]]}}</ref> An RFU review following the Six Nations decided to bring in new coaching staff. Andy Robinson kept his place as head coach, and the position of Elite Rugby Director was created.<ref name="SNReview">{{cite news| url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060428/ai_n16223831 |title=Rugby Union: Robinson survives but RFU clears out England back-room |publisher=The Independent (London) |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[[[2006-04-28]] |last=Hewitt |first=Chris]]}}</ref> After months of interviewing, Rob Andrew was appointed to the new position.<ref name="AshtonCoach">{{cite news| url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2006/12/21/2003341389 |title=Ashton confirmed as new England rugby head coach |publisher=taipeitimes.com |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-12-21]]}}</ref> The RFU also changed England's backroom staff by bringing in John Wells as Forwards coach, Mike Ford as Defence coach, and Brian Ashton as Attack coach.<ref name="AshtonCoach"/> In [[2006 mid-year rugby test series#England|2006's mid-year rugby Tests]] England returned to Australia for a two-Test series. A squad mixed with youth and experience lost both Tests comprehensively; the first 34-3 and the second 43-18.<ref name="AustEng06">{{cite news| url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060618/ai_n16491269 |title=Rugby: ROBBO DEFENDS LATEST BLOW |publisher=Sunday Mirror |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-06-18]]}}</ref> This extended England's losing streak to five matches; their worst since 1984.<ref name="AustEng06"/>
England hosted four [[2006 end-of-year rugby test series|end-of-year internationals]] at Twickenham against New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa (twice) in 2006.<ref name="Autumn06Review">{{cite news| url=http://sport.independent.co.uk/rugby_union/article2037488.ece |title= Baron says RFU will push for 'radical' change |publisher=independent.co.uk |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-12-04]] |last=Llewellyn |first=David}}</ref> England lost their first two matches of the series to New Zealand (20-41), and Argentina (18-25).<ref name="ArgLoss">{{cite news| url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20061112/ai_n16843056 |title=England stare into the abyss after a Puma mauling |publisher=Independent on Sunday |last=Glover |first=Tim |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-11-12]]}}</ref><ref name="ABGame1135">{{cite web| url=http://stats.allblacks.com/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=2135 |title=414th All Black Test : 1135th All Black Game |publisher=allblacks.com |accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> Argentina's victory was their first over England at Twickenham.<ref name="ArgLoss"/> England managed to win against South Africa 23-21 avoiding a record eight match losing streak.<ref name="EngSA1-06">{{cite news| url=http://sport.guardian.co.uk/rugbyunion/story/0,,1952232,00.html |title=Robinson 'turns corner' but still not in the clear |publisher=guardian.co.uk |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-10-20]] |last=Kitson |first=Robert}}</ref><ref name="ArgLoss"/> However, the following week on Saturday [[25 November]], South Africa exacted revenge beat England 14-25.<ref name="">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6177734.stm |title=England 14-25 South Africa |publisher=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2006-11-25]] |last=Standley |first=James}}</ref> This left England with eight losses in their last nine Tests; their worst ever match record. Coach [[Andy Robinson]] resigned after this run. Attack coach Brian Ashton was appointed head coach in December 2006.<ref name="AshtonCoach"/> England's next game was their Calcutta Cup tie against Scotland in the [[2007 Six Nations]]. They won 42-20 with Jonny Wilkinson returning and scoring 27 points.<ref name="EngSco1-07">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6320339.stm |title=England 42-20 Scotland |publisher=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2007-02-03]] |last=Harlow |first=Phil}}</ref> Their next fixture was against Italy at Twickenham; won 20-7.<ref name="EngIta1-07">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6344537.stm |title=England 20-7 Italy |publisher=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=[[2007-02-10]] |last=Shea |first=Julian}}</ref>.On the 24th of February 2007 England lost to Ireland 42-13 in an historic match in Croke Park.
===2007 World Cup===
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