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England visit Christchurch ahead of World Cup opener against Argentina

England 'show support' to Christchurch
© PA Photos
Martin Johnson remembers the "tragic" February earthquake in Christchurch during England's trip to the city in New Zealand.

England have touched down in Christchurch, New Zealand, to lend their support to the city that suffered an earthquake in February.

The national side were originally scheduled to play Argentina and Georgia at the AMI Stadium before a 6.3 tremor shattered the area.

England boss Martin Johnson admitted that it was a "no-brainer" to visit the devastated city.

"When you see such a severe quake, it is not about rugby. It is tragic," Sky Sports News quotes Johnson as saying.

"When we saw what happened in February, we knew rugby wasn't top of the agenda. We just go and play somewhere else - for the people here it is home.

"This is a famous and iconic stadium and it is sad to see it in this state. We should be here playing. It was a no-brainer for us to come up and show our support."

The 41-year-old was joined by captain Lewis Moody, Lee Mears, David Wilson, Shontayne Hape, Alex Corbisiero and scrum coach Graham Rowntree.

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