With the captain resting a minor Achilles' tendon problem, England boss Clive Woodward has turned to Johnson's fellow Test Lion Grewcock as second-row partner for Ben Kay.

But the Bath captain is reluctant to draw comparisons between himself and the Leicester man.

"Johnno is a great player because he doesn't have bad games. I don't compare myself with him - it would probably depress me," he said.

"The only time I feel depressed or frustrated is when I am involved in the match 22 and I don't get on the field. Against Australia the boys played brilliantly, and I wasn't used. You don't feel part of it," he added.

Even with Johnson temporarily sidelined, Grewcock knew he could not take anything for granted in terms of selection.

"Second row is a very competitive position, and there are other guys around who are currently not in the England 22," said Grewcock. You cannot afford to have too many off-days. "