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Chris Robshaw says England 'need to learn how to win again'

Owen Farrell (in front) and Chris Robshaw were part of a beaten England team at Twickenham on Saturday
Image: Owen Farrell (in front) and Chris Robshaw were part of a beaten England team at Twickenham on Saturday

Chris Robshaw says England need to rediscover their swagger when they tour to South Africa this summer.

England were beaten 24-15 by Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday and, while the visitors celebrated Grand Slam glory, their hosts were left to reflect on a third straight defeat.

Eddie Jones' squad face South Africa, who could be revitalised by new coach Rassie Erasmus and the possible return of some of their European-based players, in the summer.

England back row and former skipper Robshaw said: "Confidence is such a massive thing in sport.

"I wouldn't say we lack confidence but we probably don't have that swagger we had two years ago. We need to find a way to get that back.

 during the NatWest Six Nations match between France and England at Stade de France on March 10, 2018 in Paris, France.
Image: Jonny May thinks England can bounce back in South Africa this summer

"We're going to South Africa in the summer, which is going to be a tough tour so we need to bounce back and be stronger. We need to learn how to win again.

"From the last two weeks, whenever we've gone out, we've felt confident in ourselves, confident in the players we have, but it's not gone our way.

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"It's gone pretty badly in terms of that. There's no denying we're extremely disappointed with how this year has gone.

"But we stick together and move forward."

Wales coach Warren Gatland suggested last week South Africa could win 3-0 this summer but England wing Jonny May thinks the squad can bounce back from recent setbacks.

"I don't know why Warren would be talking about our games," he said. "He coaches Wales. We'll see.

Ireland celebrate after completing the Six Nations Grand Slam
Image: Ireland beat England on Saturday to complete a Grand Slam

"I'd be surprised if you don't see a response from this group. I'm sure we're going to get better, I'd back us every time.

"South Africa is a great opportunity. If we were to go out there and win a series then it would definitely be a foot back in the right direction after taking a bit of a hit.

"We have a lot of rebuilding to do because three in a row isn't good enough.

"You can't forget what we have done and what we can be, but we have to start from the bottom up again.

"We're not back at square one but we were flying high and it's going to take some hard work and a run of good games to get back to where we need to be before the World Cup [in 2019]."

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