Johnstone left watching his back

ROME - Italian coach Brad Johnstone revealed yesterday that his contract could be terminated after his team finished the Six Nations season with no points.

Speaking after Italy were beaten 45-9 by England, former All Black prop Johnstone said he had been told after defeat by Scotland earlier in the tournament that the Italian federation no longer wanted him in charge.

"I'm not sure what is going to happen. I was told after the Scotland game that the federation had decided to terminate my contract after the Six Nations," Johnstone said.

"But I haven't been told anything myself officially.

"The federation usually meet on their own and I find out later from journalists."

Since joining the championship in 2000, Italy have won just one game in three seasons. But Johnstone said he had no intention of resigning.

"I don't want to resign because if I do, they won't pay me," he said.

England scored six tries, two to Will Greenwood, and others from Ben Cohen, Jason Robinson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Austin Healey.

First five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson kicked five conversions and a penalty for a total of 13 points. Diego Dominguez, Italy's first five-eighths, kicked all his team's points with three penalties.

The win clinched second place in the championship for England, but that was small compensation after conceding the title to France a day earlier.

Italy have now lost 14 championship matches in a row, and finished last for the third season.

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