Friday 23 September 2016 10:23, UK
England coach Eddie Jones is expecting England players and coaches to play a huge part in the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2017.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland has already praised England's achievements and says he will draw inspiration from their 3-0 whitewash of Australia in the summer.
It has been a heady six months for England and Jones, who took over after their untimely World Cup exit in 2015. He has coached them to their first Grand Slam since 2003 and their series win Down Under moved them to No 2 in the world rankings.
Jones is preparing for the November Tests against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia and says his players will continue to press for Lions places.
"I would be disappointed if we did not get at least 15 players on the Lions tour and hopefully get one or two of our coaches on the coaching staff," Jones told Sky Sports News HQ.
"That is ultimately Warren's decision, but if we do a good job - particularly in the November Tests and Six Nations - then we should be rewarded with at least 15 spots."
Jones has made no bones about where he wants to take England and believes they have the talent and the resources to be the best in the world.
That means usurping New Zealand, who have set the benchmark for all to follow. However, England will not play the All Blacks for some time and Jones believes a successful Lions tour will help England achieve their goal.
"It will be a great learning experience," added Jones.
"You have got to know your opposition - you have got to know what they like to do and what they don't like to do. The Lions tour gives our players a great opportunity to play against virtually every player in New Zealand."
Gatland and Jones have crossed swords as competing coaches in the past, but Jones says Gatland is more than welcome to visit England's training camps as Lions coach - with one condition.
"We will be happy to have him [at training] - as long as he doesn't wear his Welsh gear," laughed Jones.
"His job is to make the Lions strong and we want our players to play for the Lions - we will certainly open the doors to him."
No mission impossible
There is a lot of respect for New Zealand from Jones, but he does not buy into their "unbeatable" tag despite their 15-match winning streak - and a 43-match winning streak at home.
"The All Blacks are good but, like any side, they are beatable," he said.
"They have got perceptible weaknesses and I am sure Warren is going to work very hard over the next 12 months to find those weaknesses."
"The Lions can definitely win. I think if there is ever an opportunity to beat the All Blacks, it is now.
"They have had a massive rebuilding, have lost five players - 800-900 caps. While new players have come in and done well, it does expose an opportunity for other teams."
Bully boys
England's next game is against South Africa - a team who will still bring their traditional physical game despite going through a rebuilding phase.
England have not beaten South Africa since 2006 - they drew 14-14 in 2012 - but Jones is confident his new-look side will be more than a match for the Springboks.
"Physically, South Africa are relentless and I think over the last 10 years, England have not met that, but we don't have a problem with that now. We will be up for it and will meet that physical challenge.
"This England side does not get bullied."
Watch what the Lions and England will be up against this Saturday when New Zealand take on South Africa in the Rugby Championship, live from 8am on Sky Sports 3 HD. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.
