Martin Johnson

Manager Martin Johnson has been frustrated with his side finished mid-week tour of England was five games with a 35-28 defeat by the Maori in New Zealand.

"The situation escalates to lose this game because there was a real chance of winning," Johnson said. "I am a bit grumpy.

"There are so many great things out of this visit, it was a bit annoying not to finish it. But ultimately they probably deserved.

England led 13-0 inside the first 10 minutes after starting Steffon Armitage try before falling behind 17-13, but responded with tries from Danny Care and Chris Ashton to take the lead 28-17 at half- time.

But the tourists did not score in the second period as Hosea Gear completed a sensational hat-trick of tries for the Maori to celebrate their centenary in style.

"It's disappointing," Johnson admitted. "These guys have improved the game play and in the first half they did very well.

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"But we were not quite aware when they went the length of the field to celebrate [their first test] and we lost a bit of calm in the second half. They were more dangerous in attack and we struggled to convert in pressure points - which has really cost.

"We do not take care of their riders at the start of the second half, and if you concede four tries, you'll probably lose.

"We probably lent a ball in the second half too, so that we could have supported a little more."

Despite his disappointment of losing on Wednesday, Johnson was satisfied with a visit card showing two overall wins, one draw and two defeats in five matches.

"If you look at the results we did OK, but the effect of the tour of the team and the entire brigade was absolutely fantastic," said Johnson, now more than a squad of contenders elite redesigned to be announced next month.

"Some people doubted that it was a good idea to take these games in midweek and it further [against the] Maori after a series of two trials and a long season.

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"But the guys in midweek have kept their end and did a fantastic job. Some guys have really put themselves in contention for the greatest team."

As young as Ben Youngs, Chris Ashton, Ben Foden, Dan Cole and Courtney Lawes strength exercise their powers of trial, Johnson also took heart from the contribution of the other side of the second string.

Charlie Hodgson "controlled the game" and "showed a lot of maturity," said Johnson, who also singled out Dan Ward-Smith, Phil Dowson, Chris Robshaw, Dave Attwood, Geoff parling, Brad Barritt and David Strettle that of others who have supported their claims. Corporate Hospitality Group offers England V Samoa home with the best price.