IN ernest his reign has only just begun, but there is already a lot to admire about Martin Johnson as England’s rugby supremo.

Maybe it comes as little surprise from a man who is arguably this nation’s finest sporting leader since Sir Bobby Moore.

Even the most casual rugby fans are aware of the professional values Jono possesses, which would only ever enhance his potential to guide England into a new era.

A stringent code of conduct and improved dialogue between the squad have already been alluded to by several England players, most notably Leicester fly-half Toby Flood.

Of course, there was never any doubting his ability to deliver these values, which have been inherited directly from Johnson the player.

So what about the nitty gritty of on-field matters?

Despite being the ultimate field marshall during a glittering playing career, which culminated in him holding the Webb Ellis trophy aloft in Syndey five years ago, Johnson remains untried in management.

If the handling of his first major decision - this week’s appointment of Steve Borthwick as captain - is anything to go by, all signs point to Brian Ashton’s successor flourishing.

Most will view Saracens’ second-row Borthwick as an obvious choice and safe pair of hands, despite having a minor blot on his CV - the recent ill-fated tour of New Zealand.

His retention for the November internationals at Twickenham, however, has given us reason to look at Johnson’s methods with greater intrigue.

Reference has been drawn to the highly successful Australian cricket philosophy - pick your best side first and the captain is chosen from there.

And there will be no room for sentiment with Johnson’s England. Phil Vickery, the previous captain and a long-time trusted team-mate of the new national team boss, undoubtedly still ticks all the right boxes to lead England.

He has two World Cup final appearances to his name and oversaw England’s miraculous revival in France last year.

But Vickery is streets behind Matthew Stevens in both form and fitness to be considered as a starter in Johnson’s front row.

Many felt a similar stance should have been taken by England's football management in spells of under-performance from David Beckham during his six years as captain.

The pressure on Borthwick has also been eased slightly by Johnson’s refusal to state a specific time-span for his captaincy.

Some international rugby sides have been known to hand out the armband for a one-year period, before re-evaluating.

At this stage though, with England still in transition and the big-guns of the Southern Hemisphere preparing to charge into Twickenham, it would be counterproductive to burden a new captain with a timetable for achieving results.

In reality the pressure is off. Who really expects Johnson and his trusted lieutenant Borthwick to mastermind victories over South Africa, Australia and New Zealand so early in their regime?

Both men will quickly gain support if encouraging signs are evident in England’s performances.

If they can orchestrate the odd decent result along the way, English rugby can take great comfort going into February’s Six Nations.