RBS 6 Nations

Johnson’s side scored 17 points while Wales lock Jones was in the sin-bin following a cynical trip on Dylan Hartley as England went onto win their opening match of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Danny Care and James Haskell – who eventually scored twice – both crossed while the Ospreys second row was off the field but Johnson was adamant his side were good value for their win.

“When Alun Wyn Jones went off the field it was an important period,” said Johnson. “We’ve all done silly things as players that have an influence on the game. But let’s be clear, they didn’t just give us those 17 points during that period.”

Second-half tries from Adam Jones and James Hook brought Wales to within three points but Haskell’s second of the day converted by 15-point fly-half Jonny Wilkinson settled the clash.

And while upset with his side for letting the Welsh back into the game Johnson was delighted with the manner in which his troops had ground out the win.

Johnson added: “It was disappointing that we lost our way in that second-half period when a rash pass got them back into things but, ultimately, we found a way to win. We have been there before and lost matches.

“However, this time we found a way to win. Suffering some tough losses means you learn painful lessons and everyone knows that matches can turn on small things. We could have folded but we didn’t.”