Rugby-Little to celebrate in toothless England's win

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Victory seemed like defeat at Twickenham on Saturday as England fans digested another toothless display by Martin Johnson's team.

A rare line break allowed winger Matt Banahan to score the only try of the match in the home team's 16-9 win over Argentina.

But, after last week's 18-9 defeat by Australia and ahead of next Saturday's clash with the All Blacks, the win could not disguise England's deep-rooted problems.

Against the Wallabies and for most of Saturday's error-strewn game England barely crossed the opposition 22, let alone threaten the tryline. Their slide to an unprecedented low of eighth in the world rankings is a fair reflection of their form.

Last week Australia captain Rocky Elsom said his team had been comfortable in defence and Argentina coach Santiago Phelan echoed those thoughts on Saturday.

"We analysed how England were going to play and they didn't surprise us," he told reporters. "We are disappointed to have lost, particularly because it was because of one mistake, but in another way we are satisfied."

Argentina, although ranked two places above England, were fielding a desperately inexperienced team, including a handful of amateurs and three debutants who got together only last week.

England, too, are suffering from an horrific injury situation. But, with their depth of playing talent and with their extensive preparation time, they should be producing more than has been on show in the last two games.